Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Bipolar I Disorder is characterized primarily by the presence of at least one manic episode in a person’s lifetime. This manic episode can be severe, leading to significant impairment in social or occupational functioning or necessitating hospitalization to prevent harm. The defining factor that distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II is that individuals with Bipolar I have experienced these full-fledged manic episodes.

In contrast, individuals with Bipolar II Disorder experience at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but they do not have any manic episodes. The crucial aspect of Bipolar I is the occurrence of the manic episode, which is more intense than hypomanic episodes experienced in Bipolar II; thus, option C accurately captures this fundamental difference.

Understanding this distinction is key for proper diagnosis and treatment planning, as the management of the disorders can significantly differ due to the varying severity of episodes and overall mental health impacts.