Which category of disorders involves alternating between depression and periods of mania or elevated mood?

• A. Bipolar disorders
• B. Major depressive disorder
• C. Schizophrenia
• D. Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer: (A)

Mood cycling between depressive episodes and periods of mania or elevated mood is the defining feature of bipolar disorders. In a depressive phase, symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep and appetite changes, and feelings of worthlessness. In a manic or hypomanic phase, mood is abnormally elevated or irritable, with high energy, reduced need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, distractibility, and often risky or impulsive behavior. The key point is the alternating swing between these two poles, rather than a single mood state.

This helps distinguish it from other conditions. Major depressive disorder involves recurrent depressive episodes without mania. Schizophrenia centers on psychotic symptoms like delusions and disorganized thinking. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by chronic, excessive worry and physical symptoms, not mood cycling between depression and mania.