Kirk is difficult to work with because he is extremely moody and unpredictable. Some days he is full of complaints about his job and wants nothing to do with his co-workers. At other times, Kirk is extremely upbeat and optimistic and enthusiastically suggests that the whole work group go out to lunch together. Kirk's chronic mood swings and his inconsistent behavior are characteristics of which of the following disorders?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kirk's patterns of extreme moods, including periods of depression and periods of hypomania, suggest that he may be experiencing cyclothymic disorder. This disorder is characterized by mood swings that are less severe than those experienced by people with bipolar disorder, but are still disruptive in daily life. Persistent depressive disorder would involve persistent feelings of low mood rather than mood swings, and borderline personality disorder would involve more consistent patterns of unstable relationships and self-image. Dissociative identity disorder would involve the presence of multiple distinct identities or personalities.

Kirk Is Difficult to Work with Because He Is Extremely