Which symptom is a significant indicator for the onset of relapse in clients with bipolar disorder?

Which symptom is a significant indicator for the onset of relapse in clients with bipolar disorder?

• A. A sense of pleasure and motivation for new endeavors
• B. Decreased need for sleep and racing thoughts
• C. Self-concern about increase in energy
• D. Leaving a good job to start a new business

Answer: (B)

The symptom of decreased need for sleep and racing thoughts is a significant indicator for the onset of relapse in clients with bipolar disorder because these are hallmark features of a manic or hypomanic episode. When individuals with bipolar disorder experience reduced sleep duration along with racing thoughts, it often signifies that they are moving away from a stable mood state towards a manic episode. This combination of symptoms can lead to impaired judgment, increased risk-taking behaviors, and diminished insight, which can exacerbate the condition and lead to a full-blown episode. In contrast, experiencing a sense of pleasure and motivation for new endeavors may not necessarily indicate a relapse, as these feelings can occur during stable mood periods as well. Self-concern about an increase in energy could indicate awareness of mood changes but lacks the objective severity of symptoms typically associated with impending relapse. Lastly, while leaving a good job to start a new business could reflect impulsive behavior associated with mania, it is not as direct an indicator of relapse as decreased sleep and racing thoughts. Collectively, these factors underscore the importance of monitoring specific symptoms in bipolar disorder to prevent relapses effectively.

The symptom of decreased need for sleep and racing thoughts is a significant indicator for the onset of relapse in clients with bipolar disorder because these are hallmark features of a manic or hypomanic episode. When individuals with bipolar disorder experience reduced sleep duration along with racing thoughts, it often signifies that they are moving away from a stable mood state towards a manic episode. This combination of symptoms can lead to impaired judgment, increased risk-taking behaviors, and diminished insight, which can exacerbate the condition and lead to a full-blown episode.

In contrast, experiencing a sense of pleasure and motivation for new endeavors may not necessarily indicate a relapse, as these feelings can occur during stable mood periods as well. Self-concern about an increase in energy could indicate awareness of mood changes but lacks the objective severity of symptoms typically associated with impending relapse. Lastly, while leaving a good job to start a new business could reflect impulsive behavior associated with mania, it is not as direct an indicator of relapse as decreased sleep and racing thoughts. Collectively, these factors underscore the importance of monitoring specific symptoms in bipolar disorder to prevent relapses effectively.