Persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least four consecutive days describes which mood episode?

• A. Hypomanic Episode
• B. Manic Episode
• C. Major Depressive Episode
• D. Catatonic Disorder due to Another Medical Condition

Answer: (B)

The key concept is the duration and impact that separate hypomania from mania. A persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least four consecutive days fits the threshold for a hypomanic episode. Hypomania involves noticeable changes in energy and behavior, but it does not cause the marked impairment in functioning or the need for hospitalization that defines mania, and it usually lacks psychotic features. Mania, in contrast, requires at least one week (or any duration if there is hospitalization) and typically entails significant impairment or psychotic symptoms. The other options don’t fit because a major depressive episode involves depressed mood rather than elevated mood, and Catatonic Disorder due to Another Medical Condition is a different category with distinct motor and behavioral features rather than a sustained elevated mood.