Which specifier denotes bipolar episodes in full remission that are manic?

Which specifier denotes bipolar episodes in full remission that are manic?

• A. With psychotic features, manic
• B. In full remission, manic
• C. In partial remission, depressed
• D. Unspecified

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how DSM-5 specifiers describe the current status of a mood episode in bipolar disorders. When a manic episode has resolved to the point of full remission, clinicians document it as a manic episode, in full remission. This tells you two things at once: the patient has experienced a manic episode, but right now the manic symptoms are completely remitted. It helps convey the episode type and its course over time, which is important for tracking illness trajectory and prognosis. Why this works best: it precisely communicates that the episode type is manic, while the current status is full remission, meaning there are no active manic symptoms at the moment. Other options would indicate different features or statuses that don’t fit the scenario described—mania with psychotic features would mean active psychosis, a depressive episode in partial remission describes depression, and unspecified provides no detail about remission or episode type.

The key idea is how DSM-5 specifiers describe the current status of a mood episode in bipolar disorders. When a manic episode has resolved to the point of full remission, clinicians document it as a manic episode, in full remission. This tells you two things at once: the patient has experienced a manic episode, but right now the manic symptoms are completely remitted. It helps convey the episode type and its course over time, which is important for tracking illness trajectory and prognosis.

Why this works best: it precisely communicates that the episode type is manic, while the current status is full remission, meaning there are no active manic symptoms at the moment. Other options would indicate different features or statuses that don’t fit the scenario described—mania with psychotic features would mean active psychosis, a depressive episode in partial remission describes depression, and unspecified provides no detail about remission or episode type.