20 Bipolar Disorder Scenarios Multiple Choice Questions With Answers

Bipolar Disorder Medical Exam MCQ Questions With Answers 

What is the primary symptom of bipolar disorder?

a. Depression

b. Mania

c. Anxiety

d. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer: b. Mania

What type of bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings and elevated or irritable moods?

a. Bipolar I disorder

b. Bipolar II disorder

c. Cyclothymic disorder

d. Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder

Answer: a. Bipolar I disorder

What type of bipolar disorder is characterized by less severe manic episodes and depressive episodes alternating with normal mood?

b. Bipolar I disorder

b. Bipolar II disorder

c. Cyclothymic disorder

d. Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder

Answer: b. Bipolar II disorder

What type of bipolar disorder is characterized by mild mood swings that cycle between hypomania and depression?

a. Bipolar I disorder

b. Bipolar II disorder

c. Cyclothymic disorder

d. Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder

Answer: c. Cyclothymic disorder

What type of bipolar disorder is characterized by at least four episodes of mania or depression within a one-year period?

a. Bipolar I disorder

b. Bipolar II disorder

c. Cyclothymic disorder

d. Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder

Answer: d. Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder

A patient with bipolar disorder has been experiencing elevated mood and increased energy levels for the past three weeks. They are sleeping less, engaging in risky behavior, and spending excessive amounts of money. What phase of bipolar disorder are they likely in?

a. Depressive phase

b. Manic phase

c. Mixed phase

d. Hypomanic phase

Answer: b. Manic phase

A patient with bipolar disorder is feeling hopeless and helpless for weeks. They are sleeping more, have decreased energy levels, and are having difficulty completing everyday tasks. What phase of bipolar disorder are they likely in?

a. Depressive phase

b. Manic phase

c. Mixed phase

d. Hypomanic phase

Answer: a. Depressive phase

A patient with bipolar disorder is feeling a mixture of depression and mania at the same time. They are irritable and impulsive, but also feel sad and hopeless. What phase of bipolar disorder are they likely in?

a. Depressive phase

b. Manic phase

c. Mixed phase

d. Hypomanic phase

Answer: c. Mixed phase

A patient with bipolar disorder is feeling elevated and energetic, but not to the point of excessive behavior or irritability. What phase of bipolar disorder are they likely in?

a. Depressive phase

b. Manic phase

c. Mixed phase

d. Hypomanic phase

Answer: d. Hypomanic phase

A patient with bipolar disorder has been experiencing stable mood for several months without any symptoms of depression or mania. What phase of bipolar disorder are they likely in?

a. Depressive phase

b. Manic phase

c. Mixed phase

d. Euthymic phase

Answer: d. Euthymic phase

Which of the following is a symptom of a manic episode in bipolar disorder?

A) Feeling sad or hopeless

B) Decreased need for sleep

C) Withdrawal from social activities

D) Lack of motivation

Answer: B) Decreased need for sleep

Explanation: During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience a decreased need for sleep, along with other symptoms such as elevated or irritable mood, inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, and increased goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation.

Which of the following is a treatment option for bipolar disorder?

A) Antidepressants

B) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

C) Psychoanalysis

D) Alcohol

Answer: B) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Explanation: Antidepressants may be used as part of a treatment plan for bipolar disorder, but they need to be used with caution and only in combination with a mood stabilizer. Psychoanalysis is not a recommended treatment for bipolar disorder. Alcohol use can exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder. ECT is a treatment option for severe or treatment-resistant cases of bipolar disorder and involves the induction of a brief seizure while the individual is under general anesthesia.

Which of the following is a possible consequence of untreated bipolar disorder?

A) Enhanced cognitive functioning

B) Improved social relationships

C) Impaired work or school performance

D) Increased creativity

Answer: C) Impaired work or school performance

Explanation: Untreated bipolar disorder can have significant negative consequences on an individual's work or school performance, as well as their personal relationships and overall quality of life. It can lead to missed opportunities, financial difficulties, and other problems. While some people with bipolar disorder may experience periods of enhanced creativity, this is not a consistent outcome and is not a reason to leave the disorder untreated.

Which of the following is a common trigger for a manic or hypomanic episode in bipolar disorder?

A) Sleeping too much

B) Being in a quiet environment

C) Taking medication as prescribed

D) High stress or emotional upheaval

Answer: D) High stress or emotional upheaval

Explanation: High stress or emotional upheaval is a common trigger for a manic or hypomanic episode in bipolar disorder. Other triggers may include changes in sleep patterns, substance use, and certain medications. It is important for individuals with bipolar disorder to identify their triggers and develop strategies to manage or avoid them.

Which of the following is a potential side effect of lithium, a commonly prescribed mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder?

A) Weight gain

B) Insomnia

C) Muscle stiffness

D) Memory loss

Answer: A) Weight gain

Explanation: Weight gain is a potential side effect of lithium, as are hand tremors, increased thirst and urination, and kidney problems. Insomnia, muscle stiffness, and memory loss are not commonly associated with lithium use. However, all medications can have different effects on different people, so it is important to talk to a healthcare provider about any concerns or questions regarding medication side effects.

John has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Which of the following symptoms is he likely to experience during a manic episode?

a) Sadness and loss of interest in activities

b) Fatigue and lack of energy

c) Racing thoughts and increased activity levels

d) Excessive worry and fear

Answer: c) Racing thoughts and increased activity levels

Sarah is a college student who has been experiencing episodes of depression and mania. Her psychiatrist diagnoses her with bipolar disorder. Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed to treat bipolar disorder?

a) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

b) Benzodiazepines

c) Antipsychotics

d) Beta blockers

Answer: c) Antipsychotics

James has bipolar disorder and has been taking lithium for several months. He comes into his psychiatrist's office complaining of tremors, nausea, and frequent urination. Which of the following is a possible explanation for these symptoms?

a) James is not taking his medication as prescribed

b) James is experiencing side effects of lithium

c) James is experiencing symptoms of a depressive episode

d) James is experiencing symptoms of a manic episode

Answer: b) James is experiencing side effects of lithium

Mary has bipolar disorder and has been stable on her medication for several months. However, she suddenly stops taking her medication without consulting her psychiatrist. Which of the following is a possible consequence of stopping medication abruptly?

a) Increased risk of side effects

b) Decreased risk of relapse

c) Improvement in overall functioning

d) Increased risk of manic or depressive episodes

Answer: d) Increased risk of manic or depressive episodes

Tom has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is currently experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following is an appropriate intervention for managing his symptoms?

a) Encouraging Tom to stay up late to burn off extra energy

b) Allowing Tom to make impulsive decisions without consequences

c) Providing Tom with a structured routine and limiting stimulation

d) Encouraging Tom to drink alcohol to help him relax

Answer: c) Providing Tom with a structured routine and limiting stimulation