Adolescent mood swings might be misdiagnosed as which psychological disorder?

• A. Schizophrenia
• B. Bipolar disorder
• C. Autism spectrum disorder
• D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of adolescent mood swings, which typically involve rapid and intense changes in emotional states during adolescence.
2. Step 2: Review the key characteristics of the psychological disorders listed: Schizophrenia involves psychosis and disorganized thinking; Autism spectrum disorder involves social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors; Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
3. Step 3: Recognize that Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mood elevation (mania or hypomania) and depression, which can resemble the mood fluctuations seen in adolescents.
4. Step 4: Analyze why adolescent mood swings might be confused with Bipolar disorder due to the similarity in mood variability, but note that Bipolar disorder involves more distinct and prolonged mood episodes.
5. Step 5: Conclude that adolescent mood swings are most commonly misdiagnosed as Bipolar disorder because of overlapping mood symptoms, despite differences in duration and severity.