What characterizes bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by an alternating pattern between episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania. During the manic phase, an individual may experience heightened energy levels, euphoria, decreased need for sleep, and more impulsive behaviors. In contrast, during depressive episodes, a person may feel extreme sadness, lack of energy, hopelessness, and a disinterest in activities they once enjoyed. This cycling between mood states is fundamental in defining bipolar disorder, distinguishing it from conditions that might involve constant moods or predominantly negative emotions.

The other choices reflect misunderstandings of the disorder’s nature. A constant state of high energy and excitement fails to account for the depressive phases that are also integral to bipolar disorder. The inability to experience negative emotions does not align with the condition, as individuals with bipolar disorder not only experience negative emotions during depressive episodes but are also aware of their emotional states. Lastly, consistently feeling sadness without relief suggests a unidirectional mood disorder, which differs from the characteristic mood fluctuations seen in bipolar disorder. The alternating patterns of mania and depression are key to recognizing and diagnosing the disorder effectively.