Which statement is true about Major Depressive Episodes in bipolar I disorder?

Which statement is true about Major Depressive Episodes in bipolar I disorder?

• A. They are common but not required
• B. They are required for diagnosis
• C. They must always include psychotic features
• D. They never occur without mania

Answer: (A)

The defining feature of bipolar I disorder is at least one manic episode. Major depressive episodes are common in the course of the illness, but they are not required for the diagnosis. Manic episodes can occur with or without depressive episodes, and psychotic features may appear during mania or depression but are not mandatory. So the correct idea is that depressive episodes are common but not required for bipolar I. The other statements overstate or misstate the criteria: depressive episodes aren’t required; psychotic features aren’t always present; and major depressive episodes do not have to occur only alongside mania.

The defining feature of bipolar I disorder is at least one manic episode. Major depressive episodes are common in the course of the illness, but they are not required for the diagnosis. Manic episodes can occur with or without depressive episodes, and psychotic features may appear during mania or depression but are not mandatory. So the correct idea is that depressive episodes are common but not required for bipolar I. The other statements overstate or misstate the criteria: depressive episodes aren’t required; psychotic features aren’t always present; and major depressive episodes do not have to occur only alongside mania.