1. Distinguish between bipolar disorder, unipolar depression, dysthymic disorder, and cyclothymic disorder using DSM-5 criteria. (485) Before answering the question, let's see what each term means. Bipolar disorder is a disorder characterized by alternating or mixed periods of mania and depression (Comer, 2013, pp.224). Unipolar depression is depression with no history of mania (Comer, 2013, pp.224). Dysthymic disorders are mood disorders similar to but not as long-lasting and less disabling than major depressive disorder (Comer, 2013, pp.224). Cyclothymic disorder is a disorder characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive symptoms (Comer, 2013, pp.249). Now that we know what each term means we can better answer the question. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) would classify each of these terms based on how they are used and what the symptoms are. Using the DSM-5 criteria we can see how to distinguish between the terms. The DSM-5 lists bipolar disorder as having been fully manic for at least one week and showing signs of elevated or irritable mood, increased activity or energy, and three of the following symptoms: decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness, thoughts, or ideas who experience running and are easily distracted (Comer, 2013, pp.245). It also lists unipolar depression as a severe episode lasting at least two weeks and characterized by five symptoms of depression. Symptoms are: sad mood, loss of pleasure, weight loss or gain, insomnia, reduced ability to think or concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (Comer, 2013, pp.227). It also lists dysthymic disorder as a persistent depressive disorder that can last from a day to a...... middle of paper ......ent Ways to Keep Patient on Lithium, but Therapists May Have to Change the Medication to another drug so you don't have to do lab tests to measure the dosage every time. Therapists may have to stop the drug to prove that it works, then reinstate the lithium after performing testing that shows the drug was helping the individual have calmer moods. Therapists may need to assure the individual that as long as they take the right dosage they want to become addicted or perhaps add another drug to help the lithium work so that the dosage wants to be that high. The therapist may need to demonstrate to the individual that by continuing to take lithium the individual will not have as many mood problems because it helps prevent the development of symptoms (Comer, 2013, pp.280). ReferencesComer, R.J. (2013) Abnormal Psychology, 8th edition. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.