Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes expansive mood as defined in the DSM-5?

1. A feeling of well-being that is exaggerated

2. A state of sadness or anxiety

3. Normal mood range without depression or elevation

4. A lack of restraint in expressing feelings

The correct answer is: A lack of restraint in expressing feelings

Expansive mood, as defined in the DSM-5, refers to a state characterized by a lack of restraint in expressing feelings, often accompanied by an overly positive outlook and a sense of invincibility. Individuals experiencing an expansive mood may exhibit excessive enthusiasm, grandiosity, or euphoria. This can manifest in a buoyant demeanor, where they may engage in elevated self-confidence and increase their social interactions, often leading to impulsive behaviors. The other options do not capture the essence of what expansive mood entails. For instance, a feeling of well-being that is exaggerated might sound similar, but it fails to address the critical aspect of lack of restraint that defines the mood. A state of sadness or anxiety is entirely opposite to the characteristics of expansive mood, and presenting a normal mood range lacks the emphasis on the lack of control in emotional expression that is indicative of expansiveness. Thus, the key element of unrestricted emotional expression distinguishes expansive mood, making it essential in recognizing the nuances within mood disorders as described in the DSM-5.