Bipolar disorder involves manic episodes followed by depressive episodes. Which statement best reflects this?

Bipolar disorder involves manic episodes followed by depressive episodes. Which statement best reflects this?

• A. Only depressive episodes
• B. A chronic physical illness
• C. Manic episodes followed by depressive episodes
• D. An anxiety disorder with panic attacks

Answer: (C)

Manic and depressive states are the hallmark mood swings in bipolar disorder, with the pattern often described as mood elevation or increased energy followed by a downturn into depression. The statement manic episodes followed by depressive episodes best reflects this pattern because it captures the sequential mood states that define bipolar: periods of mania (or hypomania) marked by heightened mood, energy, and activity, then periods of depression with low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest. The other descriptions don’t fit bipolar: depressive-only would point to major depressive disorder rather than bipolar, a chronic physical illness describes a bodily condition rather than a mood disorder, and an anxiety disorder with panic attacks centers on fear and anxiety rather than the distinct mania-depression cycle.

Manic and depressive states are the hallmark mood swings in bipolar disorder, with the pattern often described as mood elevation or increased energy followed by a downturn into depression. The statement manic episodes followed by depressive episodes best reflects this pattern because it captures the sequential mood states that define bipolar: periods of mania (or hypomania) marked by heightened mood, energy, and activity, then periods of depression with low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest. The other descriptions don’t fit bipolar: depressive-only would point to major depressive disorder rather than bipolar, a chronic physical illness describes a bodily condition rather than a mood disorder, and an anxiety disorder with panic attacks centers on fear and anxiety rather than the distinct mania-depression cycle.