Question 1
Bipolar disorder is characterized by:
a) Alternating episodes of depression and mania
b) Persistent low mood only
c) Unstable relationships and impulsivity
d) Chronic anxiety
Answer: a) Alternating episodes of depression and mania
Explanation: Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by alternating periods of mania (elevated mood, increased energy) and depression (low mood, loss of interest).
Question 2
Which of the following is a symptom of mania?
a) Lack of energy
b) Excessive talking and racing thoughts
c) Hypersomnia
d) Low self-esteem
Answer: b) Excessive talking and racing thoughts
Explanation: Mania involves heightened activity, racing thoughts, rapid speech, and sometimes impulsive behaviors.
Question 3
What is the average age of onset for bipolar disorder?
a) Childhood
b) Adolescence to early adulthood
c) Middle age
d) Elderly
Answer: b) Adolescence to early adulthood
Explanation: Bipolar disorder typically develops in late teens or early adulthood but can occasionally appear earlier or later.
Question 4
Which neurotransmitter imbalance is commonly associated with bipolar disorder?
a) Serotonin and dopamine
b) Acetylcholine
c) GABA
d) Histamine
Answer: a) Serotonin and dopamine
Explanation: Imbalances in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are linked to mood regulation and bipolar disorder.
Question 5
Which type of bipolar disorder involves at least one manic episode?
a) Cyclothymic disorder
b) Bipolar I disorder
c) Bipolar II disorder
d) Persistent depressive disorder
Answer: b) Bipolar I disorder
Explanation: Bipolar I disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode, often alternating with depressive episodes.
Question 6
Bipolar II disorder is primarily associated with:
a) Full manic episodes
b) Hypomanic and depressive episodes
c) Rapid cycling of emotions
d) No depressive episodes
Answer: b) Hypomanic and depressive episodes
Explanation: Bipolar II disorder involves hypomania (a milder form of mania) and depressive episodes, without full-blown mania.
Question 7
What is a defining characteristic of rapid cycling bipolar disorder?
a) Four or more mood episodes per year
b) Mood episodes that last for years
c) Stable mood with minor changes
d) Daily mood swings
Answer: a) Four or more mood episodes per year
Explanation: Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences four or more distinct mood episodes within a year.
Question 8
Which is NOT a risk factor for bipolar disorder?
a) Family history of bipolar disorder
b) Stressful life events
c) Sedentary lifestyle
d) Drug or alcohol abuse
Answer: c) Sedentary lifestyle
Explanation: Family history, stress, and substance abuse are known risk factors, while a sedentary lifestyle is not directly linked to bipolar disorder.
Question 9
Which treatment is considered a first-line therapy for bipolar disorder?
a) Lithium
b) Antidepressants
c) Antihistamines
d) Beta-blockers
Answer: a) Lithium
Explanation: Lithium is a mood stabilizer and a first-line treatment for managing manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.
Question 10
Which type of therapy is often used alongside medication for bipolar disorder?
a) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
b) Hypnosis
c) Electroconvulsive therapy
d) Light therapy
Answer: a) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Explanation: CBT helps individuals manage mood episodes by identifying and changing negative thought patterns.
Question 11
What is the hallmark feature of hypomania compared to mania?
a) No significant impairment in daily functioning
b) Increased irritability
c) Grandiose delusions
d) Psychotic symptoms
Answer: a) No significant impairment in daily functioning
Explanation: Hypomania is a less severe form of mania and does not cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning.
Question 12
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of depression in bipolar disorder?
a) Euphoria
b) Insomnia or hypersomnia
c) Fatigue
d) Feelings of worthlessness
Answer: a) Euphoria
Explanation: Euphoria is a symptom of mania, not depression, which is characterized by sadness, fatigue, and low self-esteem.
Question 13
Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by:
a) Severe manic and depressive episodes
b) Chronic fluctuating mood with less severe symptoms
c) Only depressive symptoms
d) Rapid cycling of mania and depression
Answer: b) Chronic fluctuating mood with less severe symptoms
Explanation: Cyclothymic disorder involves mild depressive and hypomanic symptoms over an extended period.
Question 14
Which of the following medications is NOT a mood stabilizer?
a) Valproate
b) Lamotrigine
c) Sertraline
d) Lithium
Answer: c) Sertraline
Explanation: Sertraline is an antidepressant, not a mood stabilizer, and may need careful monitoring in bipolar disorder.
Question 15
A mixed episode in bipolar disorder involves:
a) Simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression
b) Rapid alternation between manic and depressive states
c) Chronic low mood
d) No mood symptoms
Answer: a) Simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression
Explanation: Mixed episodes involve symptoms of both mania and depression occurring at the same time.
Question 16
What is psychoeducation in the context of bipolar disorder treatment?
a) Counseling about medication side effects
b) Teaching patients about their condition and management strategies
c) Group therapy for family members
d) Hypnosis techniques
Answer: b) Teaching patients about their condition and management strategies
Explanation: Psychoeducation helps patients and families understand bipolar disorder and promotes effective management.
Question 17
Which is a potential side effect of lithium therapy?
a) Weight loss
b) Tremors and kidney issues
c) Hair loss
d) Increased blood pressure
Answer: b) Tremors and kidney issues
Explanation: Lithium can cause side effects such as tremors, kidney dysfunction, and thyroid issues.
Question 18
Which brain structure is often implicated in mood disorders like bipolar disorder?
a) Hippocampus
b) Amygdala
c) Cerebellum
d) Occipital lobe
Answer: b) Amygdala
Explanation: The amygdala plays a role in emotion regulation and is often dysregulated in mood disorders.
Question 19
What is the goal of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)?
a) Stabilizing daily routines and interpersonal relationships
b) Treating psychotic symptoms
c) Reducing anxiety
d) Enhancing physical fitness
Answer: a) Stabilizing daily routines and interpersonal relationships
Explanation: IPSRT focuses on maintaining regular routines and improving interpersonal functioning to stabilize mood.
Question 20
What is a primary risk of untreated mania?
a) Psychosis and impulsive decisions
b) Loss of appetite
c) Chronic fatigue
d) Insomnia
Answer: a) Psychosis and impulsive decisions
Explanation: Untreated mania can escalate to psychosis, risky behaviors, and significant life consequences.
Question 21
What percentage of individuals with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed initially?
a) 20%
b) 30%
c) 60%
d) 40%
Answer: c) 60%
Explanation: Studies suggest that bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed, frequently as unipolar depression or other conditions.
Question 22
Which lifestyle factor can exacerbate bipolar symptoms?
a) Regular sleep patterns
b) Alcohol and drug use
c) Balanced diet
d) Physical exercise
Answer: b) Alcohol and drug use
Explanation: Substance use can destabilize mood and interfere with treatment effectiveness.
Question 23
What role does genetic predisposition play in bipolar disorder?
a) Minor
b) Moderate to strong
c) Negligible
d) Only in childhood onset
Answer: b) Moderate to strong
Explanation: Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component, with a higher risk among individuals with a family history of the disorder.
Question 24
Which therapy combines mindfulness and CBT for bipolar disorder?
a) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
b) Psychoanalysis
c) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
d) Interpersonal therapy
Answer: a) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Explanation: DBT integrates mindfulness with behavioral strategies, useful for mood regulation.
Question 25
What is the primary focus of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in bipolar disorder?
a) Treating severe depressive episodes or mania
b) Improving sleep patterns
c) Enhancing memory
d) Treating mild symptoms
Answer: a) Treating severe depressive episodes or mania
Explanation: ECT is used for severe cases of bipolar disorder when other treatments fail or are unsuitable.
