1. Distinguish between bipolar disorder, unipolar depression, dysthymic disorder, and cyclothymic disorder using the DSM-5 criteria.(485) Before answering the question, let's see what each term means. Bipolar disorder is a disorder marked by alternating or mixed periods of mania and depression (Comer, 2013, pp.224). Unipolar depression is depression without a history of mania (Comer, 2013, pp.224). Dysthymic disorders are mood disorders similar to, but less long-lasting and disabling, than major depressive disorder (Comer, 2013, pp.224). Cyclothymic disorder is a disorder marked 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 categorize each of these terms based on how the server is used and the symptoms. Using the DSM-5 criteria, we can see how to distinguish the terms. The DSM-5 lists bipolar disorder as a complete manic disorder of at least one week's duration and showing signs of elevated or irritable mood, increased activity or energy, and three of the following symptoms: decreased need for sleep, increased chatter, thoughts or ideas that they experience on the run and are easily distracted (Comer, 2013, pp.245). It also lists unipolar depression as a major episode that lasts at least two weeks and is marked by five symptoms of depression. Symptoms include sad mood, loss of pleasure, weight loss or gain, insomnia, reduced ability to think or concentrate, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide (Comer, 2013, pp.227). It also lists dysthymic disorder as a persistent depressive disorder that can last from one day to a center...... middle of paper ...... ways to keep the patient on lithium, but therapists will have to maybe change the medication to another medication so they don't need to run lab tests to measure the dose each time. Therapists may need to stop the medication to prove its effectiveness, then reinstate the lithium after performing the test that proves the medication was helping the individual have a calmer mood. Therapists may need to assure the individual that as long as they are taking the correct dosage, they want to become addicted or perhaps add another medication to help the lithium work, so that the dosage is so high. The therapist may need to prove to the individual that by remaining on lithium the individual will not have as many mood problems because it helps prevent symptoms from developing (Comer, 2013, pp.280) .ReferencesComer, RJ (2013) Abnormal Psychology, 8th ed. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.