If Laura has bipolar disorder, which of the following is most likely true about her experience?

• A. She only experiences anxiety without any mood disturbances.
• B. She consistently experiences only depressive symptoms without any periods of elevated mood.
• C. She has persistent delusions and hallucinations as her primary symptoms.
• D. She experiences alternating periods of mania and depression.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key characteristics of bipolar disorder, which is a mood disorder marked by alternating episodes of mania (elevated or irritable mood) and depression (low mood).
2. Recognize that anxiety alone without mood disturbances is not typical of bipolar disorder, so the option about only experiencing anxiety is unlikely.
3. Note that consistently experiencing only depressive symptoms without any elevated mood periods aligns more with major depressive disorder, not bipolar disorder.
4. Identify that persistent delusions and hallucinations are more characteristic of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, rather than bipolar disorder as a primary symptom.
5. Conclude that the hallmark of bipolar disorder is the presence of alternating periods of mania and depression, making the statement about experiencing these alternating mood episodes the most accurate description of Laura's experience.