Margaret is a 14-year-old girl who has experienced brief hypomanic episodes, each lasting 2-3 days in length. During these mood episodes, she was touchy, irritable, and very active and talkative. She also showed decreased need for sleep. However, these episodes were not associated with psychotic symptoms or require hospitalization. Which DSM-5 disorder likely best describes Margaret's symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Margaret's symptoms do not meet the duration criteria for hypomanic episodes in Bipolar II Disorder, and they are not severe enough for Bipolar I Disorder. Cyclothymic Disorder involves longer periods of symptoms. Therefore, her symptoms are best described by Other Specified Bipolar Disorder, which allows for hypomanic episodes that do not meet full criteria.

Margaret Is a 14-Year-Old Girl Who Has Experienced Brief Hypomanic