Bipolar disorders: rapid cycling: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Bipolar disorders: rapid cycling

Sample item

A patient with bipolar disorder has two manic episodes and two major depressive episodes within the same 12-month period, with clear recoveries between episodes. Which course specifier applies?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Rapid cycling

Rapid cycling is defined by at least four mood episodes in the preceding 12 months. Episodes must meet full criteria and be separated by remission or a switch to the opposite polarity.

Option by option

  • A. Rapid cycling (correct)

    Correct. Four qualifying episodes in one year meet the rapid-cycling threshold.

  • B. Mixed features

    Mixed features means concurrent symptoms of the opposite mood polarity within an episode.

  • C. Peripartum onset

    Peripartum onset is tied to pregnancy or the postpartum period.

  • D. Seasonal pattern

    Seasonal pattern refers to a regular temporal relationship with a particular season.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is A, Rapid cycling. Rapid cycling is defined by at least four mood episodes in the preceding 12 months.

Why is "Mixed features" not the answer?

Mixed features means concurrent symptoms of the opposite mood polarity within an episode.

Why is "Peripartum onset" not the answer?

Peripartum onset is tied to pregnancy or the postpartum period.

Why is "Seasonal pattern" not the answer?

Seasonal pattern refers to a regular temporal relationship with a particular season.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bipolar disorders: rapid cycling in Psychiatry. Episodes must meet full criteria and be separated by remission or a switch to the opposite polarity.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Bipolar disorders: rapid cycling?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.