CATEGORY 1: BIPOLAR I DISORDER
100 — What defines Bipolar I Disorder diagnostically?
Answer: The presence of at least one manic episode.
100 — What episodes are required for Bipolar II Disorder?
Answer: At least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode.
100 — What defines Cyclothymic Disorder?
Answer: Chronic mood instability with hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that do not meet full episode criteria.
100 — What defines a Major Depressive Episode?
Answer: At least five symptoms over two weeks, including depressed mood or anhedonia.
100 — What is the behavioral theory of depression?
Answer: Depression results from reduced response-contingent positive reinforcement.
100 — What defines Persistent Depressive Disorder?
Answer: Chronic depressed mood lasting at least two years.
100 — What demographic factors are associated with suicide risk?
Answer: Age, gender, race/ethnicity, and marital status.
200 — What are the core features of a manic episode?
Answer: Abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy lasting at least one week and causing marked impairment or hospitalization.
200 — How does hypomania differ from mania?
Answer: Hypomania lasts at least four days and does not cause marked impairment, hospitalization, or psychosis.
200 — What is the required duration for Cyclothymic Disorder?
Answer: At least two years in adults, one year in children and adolescents.
200 — What symptoms are included in MDD criteria?
Answer: Sleep, appetite, psychomotor changes, fatigue, guilt or worthlessness, concentration difficulties, and suicidality.
200 — What is the learned helplessness model?
Answer: Repeated uncontrollable stress leads to hopelessness and depressive symptoms.
200 — How many additional symptoms are required for diagnosis?
Answer: At least two additional depressive symptoms.
200 — What psychiatric disorders increase suicide risk?
Answer: Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.
300 — Why is hospitalization sufficient for a manic episode regardless of duration?
Answer: Because severity and impairment, not duration alone, define mania.
300 — Why is Bipolar II often misdiagnosed?
Answer: Because hypomania is frequently overlooked and depressive episodes resemble unipolar depression.
300 — How does Cyclothymic Disorder differ from Bipolar II?
Answer: Symptoms never meet full criteria for hypomanic or major depressive episodes.
300 — What does the “peripartum onset” specifier indicate?
Answer: Onset of depressive symptoms during pregnancy or within four weeks postpartum.
300 — What is Beck’s cognitive triad?
Answer: Negative views of the self, world, and future.
300 — How does PDD differ from Major Depressive Disorder?
Answer: PDD is chronic and less severe, whereas MDD is episodic and more acute.
300 — What personality correlates are linked to suicide risk?
Answer: Impulsivity, aggression, hopelessness, and poor emotion regulation.
400 — What is known about the etiology of Bipolar I Disorder?
Answer: Strong genetic contribution, circadian rhythm dysregulation, neurotransmitter abnormalities, and stress sensitivity.
400 — What clinical clues suggest Bipolar II rather than MDD?
Answer: Family history of bipolar disorder, antidepressant-induced activation, and episodic mood elevation.
400 — Why is Cyclothymic Disorder considered a bipolar-spectrum condition?
Answer: Because it reflects persistent mood dysregulation and confers risk for Bipolar I or II.
400 — What defines the seasonal pattern specifier?
Answer: A regular temporal relationship between depressive episodes and a specific time of year for at least two years.
400 — How does Behavioral Activation treat depression?
Answer: By increasing engagement in reinforcing activities aligned with values.
400 — What is “double depression”?
Answer: A major depressive episode occurring on top of persistent depressive disorder.
400 — What biological correlates are associated with suicide risk?
Answer: Serotonergic dysfunction, sleep disturbance, and family history.
500 — What are first-line treatments for Bipolar I Disorder?
Answer: Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate), atypical antipsychotics, and adjunctive psychotherapy.
500 — Why is antidepressant monotherapy risky in Bipolar II?
Answer: It can precipitate hypomania, mania, or rapid cycling.
500 — What are general treatment principles for Cyclothymic Disorder?
Answer: Mood stabilizers and psychotherapy; antidepressant monotherapy is avoided.
500 — Why are specifiers clinically important in MDD?
Answer: They guide prognosis, risk assessment, and treatment planning.
500 — What are evidence-based treatments for MDD?
Answer: CBT, Behavioral Activation, antidepressant medication, and combined treatment for severe or recurrent depression.
500 — What treatments are effective for PDD?
Answer: Psychotherapy (CBT or CBASP) and antidepressant medication.
500 — What are early warning signs of imminent suicide risk?
Answer: Escalating ideation, behavioral rehearsal, agitation, insomnia, substance use, and sudden mood shifts.