Which describes a hypomanic episode?

• A. A full manic episode lasting at least 7 days with psychotic features.
• B. A distinct period of elevated mood lasting at least 4 consecutive days with increased activity, not severe enough to cause marked impairment or psychotic features.
• C. A major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks.
• D. An episode of mood with no change in function.

Answer: (B)

Hypomania is a period of elevated or irritable mood with increased energy and activity that lasts at least four consecutive days and is clearly noticeable to others, but it does not cause marked impairment in functioning or include psychotic features. This combination of duration, mood change, and relatively preserved functioning is what sets hypomania apart from a manic episode (which lasts longer and typically includes significant impairment or psychosis) and from depressive states (which involve low mood rather than elevated mood). The description fits hypomania because it specifies a distinct four-day period of elevated mood with increased activity and importantly notes that it isn’t severe enough to cause marked impairment or psychotic features.