Final answer:
Bipolar II disorder involves periods of depression accompanied by one or more episodes of hypomania, unlike bipolar I disorder which includes full manic episodes. It significantly affects day-to-day functioning and can pose challenges in educational settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bipolar II disorder is a type of mood disorder characterized by patterns of depressive episodes along with one or more episodes of hypomania. Unlike bipolar I disorder, which involves episodes of intense mania, bipolar II disorder's hypomanic episodes are less severe and are not accompanied by the same level of disruption in daily life. Furthermore, bipolar II disorder does not involve full manic episodes which are found in bipolar I.
Depressive episodes are a key feature of bipolar II, often resulting in significant difficulty in day-to-day functioning, including challenges with concentration, memory, and maintaining interest in activities. This can be particularly impactful in an educational setting, where a student's ability to concentrate and retain information is crucial.
The right answer to the question given is: a. is mostly depressed but has also had one or more episodes of hypomania.