National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

What distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II disorder?

1. Bipolar I has depressive episodes only

2. Bipolar I has more severe highs (mania)

3. Bipolar II has more frequent episodes

4. Bipolar II has no mood elevation

The correct answer is: Bipolar I has more severe highs (mania)

Bipolar I disorder is characterized by the presence of severe manic episodes that can last for at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. These manic episodes often significantly impair daily functioning and can lead to major consequences. Individuals with Bipolar I may also experience depressive episodes, but the hallmark of this disorder is the severity of the manic episodes. In contrast, Bipolar II disorder involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than the full manic episodes seen in Bipolar I. The main distinction lies in the severity of the manic episodes, where Bipolar I is marked by high levels of mania, while Bipolar II does not reach the full-blown manic state. The other options do not accurately reflect the distinctions between the two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I does not focus solely on depressive episodes, and while individuals with Bipolar II may experience more frequent episodes, this is not a definitive characteristic of the disorder compared to Bipolar I. Moreover, Bipolar II does include mood elevation, but it is at a hypomanic level rather than a full manic level as seen in Bipolar I. Therefore, the correct emphasis on the distinction between these two disorders