Which statement correctly distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II?

Which statement correctly distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II?

• A. Bipolar I requires major depressive episodes only
• B. Bipolar I requires at least one manic or mixed episode; Bipolar II requires hypomanic plus major depressive episodes
• C. Bipolar II requires manic episode
• D. Bipolar II excludes depressive episodes

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the level of mood elevation that defines each disorder. Bipolar I is diagnosed after at least one manic episode, which can be with or without major depressive episodes, and mania is the more severe form of mood elevation that often impairs function or requires hospitalization. Bipolar II, on the other hand, is defined by a hypomanic episode plus a major depressive episode, with no full manic episode ever occurring. If a manic episode happens, the diagnosis would be Bipolar I rather than Bipolar II. So, the statement captures the distinction: Bipolar I centers on mania (or a manic/mixed episode), while Bipolar II centers on hypomania plus major depression. The other statements misstate this, such as implying Bipolar I is depressive-only, or that Bipolar II includes a manic episode, or that depressive episodes aren’t present in Bipolar II.

The key idea is the level of mood elevation that defines each disorder. Bipolar I is diagnosed after at least one manic episode, which can be with or without major depressive episodes, and mania is the more severe form of mood elevation that often impairs function or requires hospitalization. Bipolar II, on the other hand, is defined by a hypomanic episode plus a major depressive episode, with no full manic episode ever occurring. If a manic episode happens, the diagnosis would be Bipolar I rather than Bipolar II.

So, the statement captures the distinction: Bipolar I centers on mania (or a manic/mixed episode), while Bipolar II centers on hypomania plus major depression. The other statements misstate this, such as implying Bipolar I is depressive-only, or that Bipolar II includes a manic episode, or that depressive episodes aren’t present in Bipolar II.