Question

A severe biologic illness where patients experience alternating episodes in which mood is abnormally elevated or abnormally depressed—separated by periods in which mood is relatively normal.

a. Schizophrenia
b. Bipolar disorder
c. Major depressive disorder
d. Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer 1

The mental health condition described is bipolar disorder, characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression with periods of normal mood in between.

Step-by-step explanation:

The description provided in the question matches the characteristics of bipolar disorder, which is a mental health condition where patients go through alternating episodes of abnormally elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and abnormally depressed mood, with periods of normal mood in between. These mood episodes can significantly impair a person's quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks. Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression, which highlights the manic and depressive mood swings that are a hallmark of the condition.

Considered to be one of the major mood disorders alongside major depression, bipolar disorder affects people's energy levels and ability to function, often interfering with their educational experiences and causing issues such as lack of concentration and memory problems, as described in an article by Stanley Clark for the International Bipolar Foundation.