6- What is bipolar disorder? - Helen M. Farrell

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrWBhVlD1H8

Correct Answer: B. Two extreme emotional states of elation and depression

Explanation: Bipolar disorder is defined by two mood extremes—elevated states (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes.

What does the term bipolar most accurately refer to in bipolar disorder?

A. Rapid mood changes within a single day
B. Two extreme emotional states of elation and depression
C. Alternating personality traits
D. Emotional instability caused by stress

Correct Answer: C. Presence of full manic episodes

Explanation: Bipolar I disorder involves full manic episodes, while Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes, which are less severe.

Which feature distinguishes Bipolar I disorder from Bipolar II disorder?

A. Presence of depressive episodes only
B. Severity of depressive episodes
C. Presence of full manic episodes
D. Age of onset

Correct Answer: C. Racing thoughts and decreased need for sleep

Explanation: Mania is marked by racing thoughts, reduced need for sleep, pressured speech, and risky behavior, not depressive symptoms.

Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of a manic episode?

A. Excessive guilt
B. Hypersomnia
C. Racing thoughts and decreased need for sleep
D. Loss of interest in hobbies

Correct Answer: C. They increase in frequency, intensity, and duration

Explanation: Without treatment, manic episodes tend to worsen over time, becoming more frequent and severe.

If manic episodes are left untreated, what is the most likely outcome?

A. They resolve spontaneously
B. They become less intense over time
C. They increase in frequency, intensity, and duration
D. They convert into depressive episodes only

Correct Answer: C. Persistent feelings of worthlessness

Explanation: Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, sleep disturbances, and suicidal ideation are key depressive symptoms.

Which symptom is associated with the depressive phase of bipolar disorder?

A. Grandiosity
B. Impulsive spending
C. Persistent feelings of worthlessness
D. Pressured speech

Correct Answer: B. 1–3%

Explanation: Epidemiological data place bipolar disorder prevalence at approximately 1–3% globally.

What percentage of adults worldwide experience symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder?

A. Less than 0.1%
B. 1–3%
C. 5–10%
D. Over 15%

Correct Answer: C. Many individuals remain functional, but serious consequences may occur

Explanation: Many individuals with bipolar disorder are functional, but the illness can still impair education, relationships, finances, and safety.

Which statement best describes the functional impact of bipolar disorder?

A. Most individuals are unable to work
B. The disorder defines a person’s identity
C. Many individuals remain functional, but serious consequences may occur
D. The disorder only affects emotional health

Correct Answer: B. Synaptic pruning

Explanation: Research suggests disrupted synaptic pruning, leading to inefficient neural networks.
⚠ Clarification: This is a supported but evolving theory, not a single confirmed cause.

What brain process is thought to be disrupted in bipolar disorder according to neuroimaging studies?

A. Neurogenesis
B. Synaptic pruning
C. Myelination
D. Cerebral blood flow

Correct Answer: C. Dopamine

Explanation: Excess dopamine activity is linked to psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
⚠ Clarification: Dopamine is important, but other neurotransmitters also play roles.

Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder are most strongly associated with which neurotransmitter?

A. Serotonin
B. GABA
C. Dopamine
D. Acetylcholine

Correct Answer: C. During extreme manic or depressive episodes

Explanation: Psychotic symptoms may emerge during severe mood episodes, whether manic or depressive.

During which phases can psychotic symptoms occur in bipolar disorder?

A. Only during depression
B. Only during mania
C. During extreme manic or depressive episodes
D. Only in untreated patients

Correct Answer: C. Amygdala

Explanation: The amygdala plays a major role in emotional regulation and memory and may show abnormalities in bipolar disorder.

Which brain structure is especially involved in emotional processing and is implicated in bipolar disorder?

A. Hippocampus
B. Cerebellum
C. Amygdala
D. Brainstem

Correct Answer: D. Multiple genes interact to increase risk

Explanation: Bipolar disorder is polygenic, meaning risk is driven by multiple interacting genes, not a single mutation.

Which statement about genetics and bipolar disorder is most accurate?

A. A single gene causes bipolar disorder
B. Genetics play no role
C. The disorder is caused entirely by trauma
D. Multiple genes interact to increase risk

Correct Answer: C. By stabilizing mood and reducing abnormal brain activity

Explanation: Lithium is a mood stabilizer that reduces abnormal neural activity and lowers suicide risk.

How does lithium help manage bipolar disorder?

A. By increasing dopamine levels
B. By inducing sedation
C. By stabilizing mood and reducing abnormal brain activity
D. By curing the disorder

Correct Answer: B. Altering dopamine signaling

Explanation: Antipsychotics mainly act by modulating dopamine, helping control mania and psychosis.

Antipsychotic medications primarily help bipolar disorder by:

A. Enhancing synaptic pruning
B. Altering dopamine signaling
C. Increasing serotonin synthesis
D. Suppressing memory formation

Correct Answer: C. A controlled seizure used in severe or emergency cases

Explanation: ECT is a carefully controlled medical treatment used when symptoms are severe or life-threatening.

Which statement best describes electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in bipolar disorder?

A. A first-line treatment for all patients
B. An outdated and unsafe procedure
C. A controlled seizure used in severe or emergency cases
D. A treatment that permanently alters personality

Correct Answer: B. Belief that treatment eliminates creativity and emotions

Explanation: Some patients fear emotional blunting, though modern treatment aims to preserve creativity and individuality.

Why do some patients hesitate to seek treatment for bipolar disorder?

A. Fear of physical dependence
B. Belief that treatment eliminates creativity and emotions
C. Lack of available medications
D. Treatment is ineffective

Correct Answer: C. Regular exercise and good sleep hygiene

Explanation: Exercise, sleep regulation, sobriety, and social support are beneficial adjuncts to medical treatment.

Which lifestyle factor can help support bipolar disorder management?

A. Irregular sleep schedules
B. Alcohol use
C. Regular exercise and good sleep hygiene
D. Social isolation

Correct Answer: C. It is a medical condition that can be controlled

Explanation: Bipolar disorder is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing or a person’s entire identity.

Which statement best reflects the modern understanding of bipolar disorder?

A. It is a personal failure
B. It defines a person’s identity
C. It is a medical condition that can be controlled
D. It cannot be managed long-term

Correct Answer: B. Mild to moderate elevated mood without psychosis

Explanation: Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that does not cause marked impairment or psychosis, distinguishing Bipolar II from Bipolar I.

Which feature best defines hypomania in Bipolar II disorder?

A. Severe impairment requiring hospitalization
B. Mild to moderate elevated mood without psychosis
C. Presence of delusions and hallucinations
D. Continuous depressive symptoms

Correct Answer: C. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Explanation: fMRI allows researchers to observe functional brain connectivity, revealing abnormalities linked to disrupted synaptic pruning.

Which neuroimaging technique has been used to study disrupted neural pruning in bipolar disorder?

A. EEG
B. CT scan
C. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
D. PET scan

Correct Answer: C. They impair the brain’s ability to guide thoughts and behaviors

Explanation: Neural pathways act as maps for behavior and cognition; disrupted pathways result in confusing signals and abnormal thoughts or behaviors.

Why are disrupted neural pathways problematic in bipolar disorder?

A. They slow physical movement
B. They eliminate emotional responses
C. They impair the brain’s ability to guide thoughts and behaviors
D. They prevent memory formation

Correct Answer: B. Because depressive episodes may include persistent suicidal thoughts

Explanation: The depressive phase can involve persistent suicidal ideation, making suicide risk a serious concern in bipolar disorder.

Why is bipolar disorder associated with increased suicide risk?

A. Due to medication side effects alone
B. Because depressive episodes may include persistent suicidal thoughts
C. Because manic episodes eliminate judgment permanently
D. Because psychosis occurs in all patients

Correct Answer: C. Acceptance and empathy from family and friends

Explanation: Family and social support play a vital role in helping individuals manage bipolar disorder and maintain balance.

Beyond medical treatment, which external factor is emphasized as critical for people living with bipolar disorder?

A. Strict independence
B. High academic achievement
C. Acceptance and empathy from family and friends
D. Avoidance of emotional expression