Mood 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 · Mood disorders: rapid cycling

Sample item

In DSM-5, the 'with rapid cycling' specifier for bipolar disorder requires at least how many mood episodes in a 12-month period?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. 4

Rapid cycling means at least four episodes of mania, hypomania or major depression in 12 months, with defined intervals of remission or switch. It is more common in women and is associated with antidepressant use and hypothyroidism.

Option by option

  • A. 2

    Two episodes are not enough.

  • B. 4 (correct)

    Correct. Four or more episodes in 12 months.

  • C. 3

    Three episodes do not meet the specifier.

  • D. 6

    Six is above the required threshold.

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 B, 4. Rapid cycling means at least four episodes of mania, hypomania or major depression in 12 months, with defined intervals of remission or switch.

Why is "2" not the answer?

Two episodes are not enough.

Why is "3" not the answer?

Three episodes do not meet the specifier.

Why is "6" not the answer?

Six is above the required threshold.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mood disorders: rapid cycling in Psychiatry. It is more common in women and is associated with antidepressant use and hypothyroidism.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Mood 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.