Carleen comes to therapy because she is feeling sad. She says her she has often had periods of extreme sadness in the past and they typically last between 6 and 8 months. During those times she overeats, has trouble sleeping, feels exhausted all the time and thinks a lot about dying. At other times, however, Carleen says she feels wonderful. During those times, which last about a week, she gets a lot done, feels as if she could do anything, talks a lot and quickly, doesn't sleep but doesn't feel tired. Carleen says her "up" times are great and have never caused her any trouble. Carleen's most likely diagnosis is

Question

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Carleen's symptoms suggest bipolar II disorder, characterized by periods of major depression and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than the manic episodes seen in bipolar I disorder.

Carleen Comes to Therapy Because She Is Feeling Sad