Bipolar disorder is most likely to be characterized by

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania/hypomania, which involve extreme hopelessness and unrealistic optimism, respectively. Therefore, option D is the best choice. Option A is incorrect because bipolar disorder involves cycles of both depression and mania/hypomania, not just persistent low-grade depression. Option B is incorrect because flashbacks are a symptom commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), not bipolar disorder. Option C is incorrect because bipolar disorder involves cycles of both depression and mania/hypomania, and a single manic episode with no history of depression is not consistent with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder Is Most Likely to Be Characterized by