Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

In bipolar disorder, rapid cycling is characterized by how many mood episodes within one year?

1. Two or more

2. Three or more

3. Four or more

4. Five or more

The correct answer is: Four or more

Rapid cycling in bipolar disorder is specifically defined by the occurrence of four or more mood episodes within a single year. These episodes can include any combination of depressive, manic, or hypomanic episodes. The significance of recognizing rapid cycling lies in its implications for treatment, management, and prognosis, as patients with this pattern may experience more severe and frequent mood disturbances than those without rapid cycling. While the other options specify fewer episodes, understanding that rapid cycling requires a minimum of four episodes is crucial for proper diagnosis and intervention strategies. This distinction is essential in clinical practice, as managing treatment effectively can vary greatly depending on whether a patient experiences rapid cycling or not.