Ms. R goes to the mood disorders clinic at the urging of her mother. The psychiatrist who examines her tells the nurse, "She's hypomanic." The nurse can expect to assess:

Choice A reason: Hypomania is characterized by a distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that lasts at least 4 consecutive days. The symptoms are similar to mania but less severe and do not cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning. Hospitalization is not typically required, and psychotic features are absent. Choice B reason: This describes full-blown mania, not hypomania. Mania involves more intense symptoms lasting at least 1 week and often requires hospitalization due to impaired functioning or risk behaviors. Choice C reason: Hypomania is by definition less severe than mania. This choice is incorrect because it contradicts the diagnostic criteria. Choice D reason: This is a vague and inaccurate description. Motor hyperactivity may be present in hypomania, but depressive affect is not a defining feature of hypomanic episodes.