A hallmark of bipolar disorder is alternating periods of elevated mood and depression. This pattern best fits which diagnosis?

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

Answer: (A)

Alternating periods of elevated mood and depression define bipolar disorders. This pattern means experiences of manic or hypomanic episodes—where mood is abnormally elevated, energy is high, sleep needs are reduced, and judgment may be impaired—cycle with depressive episodes characterized by low mood, anhedonia, sleep and appetite changes, fatigue, and possible thoughts of worthlessness or suicide. This cyclical mood pattern distinguishes bipolar disorders from Major Depressive Disorder, which involves depressive episodes without mania or hypomania; Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which centers on chronic excessive worry rather than distinct mood swings; and Schizophrenia, which focuses on psychotic symptoms and impairment rather than alternating mood states. So, the diagnosis that best fits this pattern is bipolar disorder.