Final answer:
Mania is the term that describes a state of intense mood disturbance with persistent elevation, expansiveness, irritability, and extremely goal-directed activity, commonly associated with bipolar disorder.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a patient's behavior characterized by a period of intense mood disturbance with persistent elevation, expansiveness, irritability, and extremely goal-directed activity is known as mania. In the context of mood disorders, mania is a distinct period of at least one week of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, which can vary markedly from the individual's usual mood. This state is often found in those with bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, where individuals experience episodes that can include mania as well as depression. During a manic episode, patients may exhibit behaviors such as accelerated speech, racing thoughts, reduced need for sleep, grandiose notions, heightened distractibility, and excessive involvement in activities with a high potential for painful consequences.