Which of the following is a true statement about the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

• A. Bipolar disorder is characterized only by persistent depressive episodes without any periods of elevated mood.
• B. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are limited to anxiety and do not include mood changes.
• C. Bipolar disorder symptoms are identical to those of schizophrenia.
• D. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience episodes of both mania and depression.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the core characteristics of bipolar disorder, which involves mood episodes that include both manic (or hypomanic) and depressive states.
2. Recognize that bipolar disorder is not limited to depressive episodes alone; it also includes periods of elevated mood, energy, and activity known as mania or hypomania.
3. Differentiate bipolar disorder symptoms from those of other disorders, such as anxiety disorders or schizophrenia, noting that bipolar disorder specifically involves mood swings rather than only anxiety or psychotic symptoms.
4. Review the definitions of mania and depression: mania includes elevated mood, increased activity, and sometimes risky behavior, while depression involves low mood, low energy, and feelings of sadness.
5. Conclude that the true statement about bipolar disorder symptoms is that individuals experience episodes of both mania and depression, reflecting the cyclical nature of the disorder.