Question 1

A period of euphoric mood with symptoms involving abnormally heightened levels of thinking, behavior, and emotionality is referred to as a(n) ________ episode.

Accepted Answer

The description of the period of euphoric mood with symptoms involving abnormally heightened levels of thinking, behavior, and emotionality is consistent with a manic episode.

Question 2

Which of the following is a typical symptom of a hypomanic episode?

Accepted Answer

Inflated self-esteem is a common symptom of hypomania, which involves an elevated mood or energy level that is less intense than a full manic episode. Depressed mood (A), loss of energy (B), and decrease in appetite (C) are more typical of a depressive episode.

Question 3

Kim has been experiencing an abnormally euphoric mood for quite some time. She remains hyperactive throughout the day even though she merely gets two hours of sleep at night. It is most likely that Kim is suffering from

Accepted Answer

Kim's symptoms are consistent with bipolar I disorder, which is characterized by periods of mania or hypomania (abnormally elevated or irritable mood) and depressive episodes. The fact that she remains hyperactive despite only getting two hours of sleep at night is a further indicator of mania. Bipolar II disorder involves periods of hypomania and depressive episodes, but not full-blown mania. Persistent depressive disorder (formerly known as dysthymia) involves a chronically depressed mood, but not episodes of mania or hypomania. Major depressive disorder involves depressive episodes, but no history of mania or hypomania.

Question 4

Which of the following refers to a period of moderately elated mood?

Accepted Answer

Hypomania refers to a period of moderately elated mood, increased energy, and decreased need for sleep. Dysphoria refers to a state of intense sadness or depression. Echolalia refers to the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others. Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience pleasure or joy.

Question 5

The difference between a manic and a hypomanic episode is that

Accepted Answer

In a hypomanic episode, the period of elated mood is less intense and less severe than in a manic episode, but still present. A manic episode involves more extreme symptoms, including a longer period of elation, severe impairment in daily functioning, and possible psychotic features. Option A is incorrect because it suggests that a manic episode involves a less extreme period of elated mood, which is not accurate. Option C is incorrect because a hypomanic episode does involve a period of elation. Option D is incorrect because both manic and hypomanic episodes can involve periods of depression.

Question 6

Joe has a mood disorder in which he experiences alternating episodes of severe depression and mild bouts of mania. Which of the following diagnoses would best describe Joe's condition?

Accepted Answer

Joe's condition is characterized by both depressive and manic episodes, but the manic episodes are less severe than those in Bipolar I disorder. Therefore, Joe's condition would best be diagnosed as Bipolar II disorder. The other options (A and B) do not involve manic episodes, and Bipolar I disorder involves more severe manic episodes.

Question 7

In order to be diagnosed with

Accepted Answer

Bipolar II disorder requires at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but not a full manic episode.

Question 8

Of all the psychological disorders, we most likely associate substance abuse with

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse is more commonly associated with bipolar disorder than with the other disorders listed. Individuals with bipolar disorder may use substances as a form of self-medication to manage their mood swings.

Question 9

Clinicians are most likely to diagnose people who have four or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania, or mixed symptoms with

Accepted Answer

The criteria for bipolar disorder, rapid cycling, is the presence of four or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania, or mixed symptoms within a year. Therefore, clinicians are most likely to diagnose someone with this disorder if they meet these criteria. Persistent depressive disorder is characterized by a long-term (2 years or more) depressed mood, whereas major depressive disorder is characterized by episodic, but recurrent, episodes of major depression. Recurrent cyclothymic disorder refers to a chronic cycling of hypomanic and depressive symptoms, but does not necessarily meet the criteria for full-blown episodes of mania or major depression.

Question 10

Samantha has bipolar disorder and has had eight alternating manic/depressive episodes within a year. Which of the following forms of bipolar disorder does Samantha have?

Accepted Answer

Samantha's multiple manic/depressive episodes within a year indicate that she has rapid cycling bipolar disorder.

Question 11

Richard has been diagnosed with chronic bipolar disorder and hypothyroidism. Because of these coexisting conditions, he may have a higher risk of developing the _____ type of bipolar disorder.

Accepted Answer

Chronic bipolar disorder and hypothyroidism are both risk factors for rapid cycling bipolar disorder, which is characterized by four or more mood episodes (including manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes) in a year. Melancholic and dysthymic bipolar disorders are not recognized as distinct subtypes in current diagnostic systems, and seasonal bipolar disorder is a type of bipolar disorder that follows a specific seasonal pattern of mood changes.

Question 12

Which of the following is a less severe form of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cyclothymic disorder is a less severe type of bipolar disorder that involves chronic fluctuations in mood that are less severe than those seen in bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. Rapid cycling refers to the occurrence of at least four mood episodes within a year, while persistent depressive disorder and major depressive disorder are types of depressive disorders rather than bipolar disorder.

Question 13

Mood changes that range from dysphoria to hypomania are characteristic of

Accepted Answer

The mood changes described, ranging from dysphoria (depressed or irritable mood) to hypomania (elevated or expansive mood) are part of the diagnostic criteria for cyclothymic disorder. Persistent depressive disorder, major depressive disorder, and manic depression (also known as bipolar disorder) involve changes in mood but do not typically include a range from dysphoria to hypomania.

Question 14

The difference between bipolar disorder and cyclothymic disorder is that

Accepted Answer

Cyclothymic disorder is less severe than bipolar disorder. While both disorders involve periods of mood swings between highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), cyclothymic disorder is characterized by less extreme mood swings and a chronic pattern of mood instability. In bipolar disorder, the episodes of mania or depression are typically more severe and can last for longer periods of time.

Question 15

Allan suffers from mild mood swings that range from dysphoria to hypomania. His mood can change rapidly and at times his behavior borders on eccentric, but he still holds down a job at the neighborhood hardware store. Allan is most likely suffering from

Accepted Answer

Allan's symptoms suggest he may have cyclothymic disorder, which is characterized by mood swings that are less severe than those seen in bipolar disorder but still significant enough to impact daily functioning. The presence of both dysphoria and hypomania, along with the description of Allan's behavior as eccentric, are consistent with this diagnosis. Persistent depressive disorder and major depressive disorder are both characterized by persistent depressive symptoms, which do not fit Allan's presentation. Rapid cycling bipolar disorder involves frequent and dramatic shifts between manic and depressive episodes, which does not seem to be the case for Allan.

Question 16

Which of the following is true of cyclothymic disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cyclothymic disorders are characterized by chronic, fluctuating mood disturbances that are less severe than those seen in bipolar disorder. People suffering from this disorder may experience hypomanic episodes (mild mania) and mild depressive episodes, but not to the extent seen in bipolar disorder. It is important to note that people with cyclothymic disorders may still experience major depressive episodes, but this is not a defining characteristic of the disorder.

Question 17

According to research in the field, estimates are that first-degree relatives of people with major depressive disorder are _________ percent more likely to develop the condition than those with no such familial relationships.

Accepted Answer

First-degree relatives of individuals with major depressive disorder have a 15 to 25 percent increased risk of developing the condition, indicating a genetic or familial component to the disorder.

Question 18

Altered serotonin functioning causes genetically predisposed individuals to develop

Accepted Answer

Altered serotonin functioning has been linked to the development of major depressive disorders, as serotonin is involved in regulating mood and emotions.

Question 19

Which of the following is an amino acid that aids the body in manufacturing serotonin?

Accepted Answer

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

Question 20

Which of the following is a main function of brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

Accepted Answer

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that helps promote the growth, survival, and function of neurons in the brain. One of its main functions is to facilitate synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of neurons to adapt and change in response to experience. BDNF is also involved in other processes such as learning, memory, and mood regulation. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are not accurate descriptions of the main function of BDNF.

Quiz 7: Depressive and Bipolar Disorders