What is one indication of a mixed episode in mood disorders?

A mixed episode in mood disorders is characterized by the simultaneous presence of symptoms from both manic and depressive episodes. This means that an individual exhibits features of mania—such as elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity—while also displaying symptoms of depression, including sadness, fatigue, and hopelessness. The criteria for diagnosing a mixed episode require that the symptoms meet the full criteria for both a manic episode and a major depressive episode for a significant period of time.

In contrast, the presence of only depressive symptoms does not align with mixed episodes, as it lacks manic features, while severe impairment of functioning, though often present, is not a defining criterion for a mixed episode specifically. Lastly, though the duration of symptoms does play a role in diagnosing mood disorders, a mixed episode does not require symptoms to exceed two weeks, as standard criteria for manic or depressive episodes typically imply a shorter duration in the context of mixed presentations. Thus, the defining feature of a mixed episode is the co-occurrence of symptoms from both ends of the mood spectrum, validating the choice that indicates the dual nature of symptoms present.