If Laura has bipolar disorder, then she q,
Select one:
a. ?experiences flashbacks interspersed with depression
b. ?often experiences mood states that vacillate between depression and mania
c. ?once started a day euphoric and ended the day tired
d. ?never thinks about the risk that a major depressive episode will follow a manic episode
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
b. often experiences mood states that vacillate between depression and mania
Explanation:
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood changes can happen over days, weeks, or even months, and they can significantly affect a person’s behavior, energy levels, and overall functioning.
The key feature of bipolar disorder is the alternation between episodes of mania and depression, making answer b the correct choice. People with bipolar disorder often experience rapid or cyclical shifts in mood, where they may feel euphoric, excessively energetic, and overly confident during manic episodes, followed by deep feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy during depressive episodes. These mood swings are often intense and can lead to drastic changes in behavior, such as reckless spending during mania or withdrawing from activities and people during depression.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
- a. Experiences flashbacks interspersed with depression: Flashbacks are not a typical symptom of bipolar disorder. Flashbacks are often associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rather than bipolar disorder.
- c. Once started a day euphoric and ended the day tired: While this could be an isolated experience, it does not align with the pattern of alternating mood episodes that define bipolar disorder. A person with bipolar disorder typically experiences prolonged mood states, not just a single day that shifts dramatically.
- d. Never thinks about the risk that a major depressive episode will follow a manic episode: This statement is inaccurate because many people with bipolar disorder are very aware of the risk of experiencing a depressive episode after a manic episode. This awareness can be part of their coping mechanisms or treatment plan.
In conclusion, bipolar disorder is characterized by significant mood shifts between mania and depression, making answer b the most accurate reflection of the disorder.