For at least the last two years,Sara has been experiencing mild depression which alternates with periods of her being cheerful and expansive,but also irritable.These changes in her mood appear to be reactions to external events,and she has never experienced a psychotic episode.Sara would most likely be diagnosed with a __________ disorder.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sara's mood swings are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, as she has never experienced a psychotic episode. Her symptoms also do not match the criteria for dysthymic disorder. However, her alternating periods of mild depression and cheerfulness, alongside irritability, suggest a cyclothymic disorder, which is a milder form of bipolar disorder characterized by mood swings that do not meet the criteria for full-blown manic or depressive episodes.

For at Least the Last Two Years,Sara Has Been Experiencing