Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

What might best describe a 32-year-old woman with fluctuating moods leading to difficulties in relationships?

1. Major Depressive Disorder

2. Borderline Personality Disorder

3. Bipolar II Disorder

4. Cyclothymic Disorder

The correct answer is: Bipolar II Disorder

The description of a 32-year-old woman experiencing fluctuating moods that lead to difficulties in relationships aligns best with the characteristics of Borderline Personality Disorder. This disorder is characterized by significant emotional instability, difficulty with interpersonal relationships, and a pattern of intense and unstable emotions. Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder often experience rapid mood changes, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and strained relationships. Unlike Bipolar II Disorder, where mood fluctuations typically involve episodes of depression and hypomania that last for a longer duration (several days to weeks), the mood changes in Borderline Personality Disorder can occur more frequently and are often triggered by interpersonal stressors. In this case, the combination of significant mood swings and challenges in maintaining stable relationships strongly suggests that the characteristics align more closely with Borderline Personality Disorder than with the other disorders listed. Recognizing these traits is crucial for developing appropriate therapeutic approaches and interventions.