For the past several days, Paul has had boundless energy. His thoughts feel like they are racing, and he can't get his ideas and words out fast enough. Paul has gotten very little sleep during this time. Yesterday, Paul decided on a whim to buy a new car, even though he did not need one and could not really afford it. Paul's behavior over the past few days is MOST consistent with a _____ episode.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paul's symptoms, including boundless energy, racing thoughts, minimal sleep, and impulsive decision-making (such as buying a new car he cannot afford), are most consistent with a manic episode. These symptoms are more severe and disruptive than those of a hypomanic episode, and they do not primarily involve the loss of reality testing seen in psychotic episodes or the disruptions in identity or memory characteristic of dissociative episodes.

For the Past Several Days, Paul Has Had Boundless Energy