For a manic episode, what duration and symptom count are described in the material?

For a manic episode, what duration and symptom count are described in the material?

• A. At least 1 week with 3 DIGFAST symptoms
• B. At least 2 weeks with 1 DIGFAST symptom
• C. At least 3 days with 2 DIGFAST symptoms
• D. At least 4 weeks with 4 DIGFAST symptoms

Answer: (A)

Mania hinges on a distinct period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood with increased energy that lasts at least one week. During that time, three or more DIGFAST symptoms must be present (and if the mood is only irritable, you need four symptoms). DIGFAST covers distractibility, impulsivity or indiscretion, grandiosity, flight of ideas, increased goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation, decreased need for sleep, and pressured speech or talkativeness. So the minimum criteria are a duration of at least one week and three symptoms. The other options miss either the required duration (at least one week, not two days or four weeks) or the symptom threshold (three or more, unless mood is just irritable, in which case four).

Mania hinges on a distinct period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood with increased energy that lasts at least one week. During that time, three or more DIGFAST symptoms must be present (and if the mood is only irritable, you need four symptoms). DIGFAST covers distractibility, impulsivity or indiscretion, grandiosity, flight of ideas, increased goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation, decreased need for sleep, and pressured speech or talkativeness.

So the minimum criteria are a duration of at least one week and three symptoms. The other options miss either the required duration (at least one week, not two days or four weeks) or the symptom threshold (three or more, unless mood is just irritable, in which case four).