Hypomanic Episode: (a) A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, last at least 4 consecutive days and present most of the day, nearly every day.
Connie meets criteria for this section. Connie had elevated mood that changed from depression to non-depressive behavior. Connie mentioned having increased episodes of energy. For example, the therapist asked, how long she had these “high feelings” in the narrative. She stated, “it can last for 3 or 4 days up to a week before I begin sliding downward again”.
(b) During the period of mood disturbance and increased energy and activity, three (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted…show more content… Connie meets criteria for this section. When she is not experiencing elevated mood changes, she was normally depressed. For example, “all I think about was that I would die, and they would be homeless. And then I feel better, I mean like overnight”.
(d) The disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others. Connie meet criteria for this section. She remarked that her husband observed her functioning. For example, Connie stated, “I told Bob (husband) not to tell my parents I was in the hospital”.
(e) The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to necessitate hospitalization. If there are psychotic features, the episode is, by definition, manic. Connie meets criteria for this section. She appeared to have some issues that affected her functioning while in a hypomanic episode (full of energy/unable to sleep), but she was able to maintain her home and family life. As for the hospitalization, Connie might have been admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital for depression or suicidal ideations. The narrative was not clear on this. Therefore, I’m using my clinical judgement to infer that hypomania did not result in the hospitalization she mentioned in the
