PsychologyPsychological Disorders

Which disorder is characterised by both mania and depression, which a…

Which disorder is characterised by both mania and depression, which alternate and are sometimes interrupted by periods of normal mood?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Bipolar I disorder

Option	Reason
Option (1): Major depressive disorder. Incorrect.	Major depressive disorder is a period of depressed mood or loss of interest in most activities. Other symptoms come with it, such as changes in sleep, weight and energy.
Option (2): Bipolar I disorder. Correct.	Bipolar I disorder has both mania and depression, which come by turns. Manic episodes rarely appear by themselves; they usually alternate with depression.
Option (3): Schizophrenia. Incorrect.	Schizophrenia is a group of psychotic disorders. Personal, social and work life break down because of disturbed thought, strange perceptions, unusual emotions and motor problems.
Option (4): Conversion disorder. Incorrect.	Conversion disorder is a somatic symptom disorder. The person reports loss of some basic body function, such as paralysis, blindness or deafness, often after a stressful event.

NCERT (2026-27): “Bipolar and Related Disorders
Bipolar I disorder involves both mania and depression, which are alternately present and sometimes interrupted by periods of normal mood. Manic episodes rarely appear by themselves; they usually alternate with depression. Bipolar mood disorders were earlier referred to as manic-depressive disorders. Some examples of types of bipolar and related disorders include Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II disorder and Cyclothymic Disorder.”