Which of the following scenarios best describes a manic episode?

• A. An individual avoids social situations due to intense fear of being judged or embarrassed.
• B. A person experiences persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities for weeks.
• C. Someone has recurring, unwanted thoughts and performs repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety.
• D. An individual feels extremely energetic, talks rapidly, has racing thoughts, and engages in risky behaviors for several days.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of a manic episode. A manic episode is characterized by a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, along with increased activity or energy lasting at least one week.
2. Step 2: Identify key symptoms of a manic episode, which include increased energy, rapid speech, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, inflated self-esteem, distractibility, and engagement in risky behaviors.
3. Step 3: Review each scenario and compare the symptoms described with the criteria for a manic episode.
4. Step 4: Recognize that avoidance of social situations due to fear relates to social anxiety, persistent sadness and loss of interest relate to depression, and unwanted thoughts with repetitive behaviors relate to obsessive-compulsive disorder.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the scenario describing extreme energy, rapid talking, racing thoughts, and risky behaviors over several days best fits the definition of a manic episode.