CEA Nursing Practice Exam

A 32-year-old exhibits euphoria alternating with depression. What is the likely diagnosis?

1. Schizophrenia

2. Borderline personality disorder

3. Bipolar disorder

4. Bulimia Nervosa

The correct answer is: Bipolar disorder

The symptom pattern of euphoria alternating with depression strongly suggests bipolar disorder. This condition is characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The presence of euphoria, which refers to intense feelings of happiness or excitement, is a hallmark feature during the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Similarly, the alternating depressive episodes reveal the cyclical nature of the mood disturbances that define this disorder. In contrast, schizophrenia involves disruptions in thought processes and perception rather than distinct mood episodes. Borderline personality disorder also features mood instability but is more related to interpersonal relationships and self-image, rather than distinct alternating episodes of euphoria and depression. Bulimia nervosa mainly involves episodes of eating control issues followed by compensatory behaviors and does not typically manifest with significant mood swings in the same way as bipolar disorder. Thus, the combination of euphoria and depression fits most accurately within the bipolar disorder framework.