Which disorder requires at least one manic episode?

• A. Bipolar 1 Disorder
• B. Bipolar 2 Disorder
• C. Cyclothymic Disorder
• D. Major Depressive Disorder

Answer: (A)

Mania defines Bipolar I Disorder. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy, lasting at least one week (or shorter if hospitalization is required) and accompanied by at least three additional symptoms such as decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, or risky behavior, and it causes marked impairment or may include psychotic features. Because this level of symptoms is required for diagnosis, Bipolar I is the disorder that requires at least one manic episode. In contrast, Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes plus major depressive episodes (without full mania); cyclothymic disorder features chronic mood fluctuations that do not meet full criteria for mania, hypomania, or major depressive episodes; Major depressive disorder involves depressive episodes without any history of mania or hypomania.