Which statement about Bipolar II disorder is true?

Which statement about Bipolar II disorder is true?

• A. Requires manic episode
• B. Requires depressive episode and hypomanic episode
• C. Manic episode is required
• D. No depressive episodes ever

Answer: (B)

Bipolar II disorder is defined by the presence of at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, with no history of a full manic episode. The key difference from Bipolar I is that mania is not required—and would indicate Bipolar I if it occurred. Hypomania is a milder, non-impairing form of elevated mood compared with mania, and it does not involve the marked impairment or psychotic features that characterize mania. Because depressive episodes are essential to Bipolar II, statements claiming there are no depressive episodes are incorrect, and statements requiring mania are incorrect because mania would suggest Bipolar I.

Bipolar II disorder is defined by the presence of at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, with no history of a full manic episode. The key difference from Bipolar I is that mania is not required—and would indicate Bipolar I if it occurred. Hypomania is a milder, non-impairing form of elevated mood compared with mania, and it does not involve the marked impairment or psychotic features that characterize mania. Because depressive episodes are essential to Bipolar II, statements claiming there are no depressive episodes are incorrect, and statements requiring mania are incorrect because mania would suggest Bipolar I.