mood episode
A distinct period of abnormal mood meeting specific duration and symptom criteria for major depression, mania, or hypomania.
Full Definition
A mood episode is a clinically defined period during which an individual experiences a sustained change in mood that meets specific diagnostic criteria for major depressive, manic, hypomanic, or mixed episodes as outlined in the DSM-5-TR. Each episode type has distinct duration requirements (e.g., at least 2 weeks for major depression, 7 days for mania), symptom thresholds, and functional impairment criteria. In clinical trials, mood episode history and current episode characteristics are crucial for patient stratification, inclusion criteria, and endpoint selection. The concept is fundamental to understanding bipolar disorder course and treatment response patterns.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify episode type (depressive, manic, hypomanic) when clinically relevant.
In Context
- "Patients were required to be in a current major depressive mood episode at study entry." — Inclusion criteria
- "Time to next mood episode was a key long-term outcome measure." — Follow-up assessment