What describes bipolar disorder?

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Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense and distinct mood episodes that include periods of depression and periods of mania or hypomania. The depressive episodes can manifest as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy, while the manic episodes are marked by elevated energy, euphoria, irritability, and often impulsive behavior. This cycling between these mood states is a hallmark of the disorder, making the description of “intense periods of depression followed by manic feelings” accurate. Understanding this cyclical nature is crucial to recognizing and diagnosing bipolar disorder properly.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of bipolar disorder. Consistent mood without fluctuations does not reflect the mood variability seen in the disorder. Delusional thoughts can be associated with some severe mental health disorders but do not define bipolar disorder as a whole. Extreme anxiety in public situations is more aligned with anxiety disorders rather than bipolar disorder, which focuses on mood changes rather than anxiety per se.

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