ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the reader is adept and comfortable with descriptive Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) interviewing and diagnostic assessment. Prior to defining DSM-5 bipolar disorder, hypomanic and manic episodes must be precisely defined. All of psychiatric prescribing at this beginning level is based on regulatory findings, approvals, and indications that are psychiatric disorder specific. Unipolar depressive symptoms are similar to those of bipolar depression, and telling them apart is extremely difficulty even for experts. These symptoms can be prevalent in major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. Commonly, bipolar disorder in adults is confounded by other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, substance misuse, or depression. Major depressive episodes will be thoroughly discussed in the major depressive disorder but in brief are considered to occur when at least two weeks of pervasive low mood, low self-worth, low interest, and low energy.
