To diagnose Bipolar I Disorder, criteria for a manic episode must be met.

• A. Manic Episode
• B. Bipolar I Disorder
• C. Hypomanic Episode
• D. Major Depressive Episode

Answer: (B)

A manic episode is the defining feature needed to diagnose Bipolar I Disorder. In clinical terms, a manic episode is a period of markedly elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy, lasting at least one week (or any duration if hospitalization is required) and accompanied by symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, or risky behaviors, causing significant impairment or requiring hospitalization. Because Bipolar I Disorder is defined by having at least one manic episode, the diagnosis relies on the occurrence of that manic episode, regardless of whether depressive episodes occur. That’s why Bipolar I Disorder is the correct choice. The other options describe the episode types or related conditions but do not themselves define the diagnosis: a manic episode is an episode, not the diagnosis; a hypomanic episode is associated with Bipolar II; a major depressive episode does not by itself establish Bipolar I.