Joan is in her third year of university and alternates between being really happy and really down, but never either one for more than a few days at a time. She's been this way since she started university. Her most likely diagnosis is:
A)Typical university student
B)Persistent depressive disorder
C)Persistent depressive disorder and hypomanic disorder
D)Cyclothymic disorder

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Joan's alternating moods of happiness and depression that last for short periods of time suggest that she may have cyclothymic disorder, a type of mood disorder characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not severe or long-lasting enough to be diagnosed as bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. This pattern of mood swings typically persists for at least two years in adults, matching Joan's experience since starting university. Persistent depressive disorder and hypomanic disorder (choice C) would require more consistent symptoms of each mood state. Being "typically university student" (choice A) is not a formal diagnosis.

Joan Is in Her Third Year of University and Alternates