Which of the following statements about individuals with bipolar disorder is true?

• A. They only experience depressive episodes and never manic episodes.
• B. They experience alternating periods of mania and depression.
• C. Bipolar disorder is caused solely by poor parenting.
• D. Their symptoms are always mild and do not interfere with daily functioning.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of bipolar disorder. It is a mood disorder characterized by significant changes in mood, energy, and activity levels.
2. Step 2: Recognize the two main types of episodes in bipolar disorder: manic episodes (periods of abnormally elevated mood and energy) and depressive episodes (periods of low mood and energy).
3. Step 3: Evaluate each statement based on this understanding: the first statement is incorrect because individuals with bipolar disorder experience both manic and depressive episodes, not just depressive ones.
4. Step 4: The statement that bipolar disorder is caused solely by poor parenting is incorrect because bipolar disorder has complex causes including genetic, biological, and environmental factors, not just parenting.
5. Step 5: The statement that symptoms are always mild and do not interfere with daily functioning is false, as bipolar disorder symptoms can range from mild to severe and often significantly impact daily life.