What is required for a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder?

For a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, the criteria include having at least one major depressive episode as well as at least one hypomanic episode. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a major depressive episode is characterized by experiencing at least five out of nine specified symptoms over the same two-week period, which is consistent with the criteria laid out in the option selected.

In addition to the depressive episode, the individual must also experience at least one hypomanic episode, which does not reach the severity of a full manic episode but is still distinctly different from the individual's baseline mood. This combination of symptoms is what differentiates bipolar II disorder from other mood disorders, including bipolar I disorder, which requires at least one manic episode.

The other options do not accurately capture the requirements for diagnosing bipolar II disorder. For example, the requirement of only manic episodes is inconsistent with bipolar II, as manic episodes are not present in this type. Similarly, having at least three depressive episodes in one year is not a standard criterion; while recurrent depressive episodes can occur, they are not a requirement for the diagnosis. Lastly, no depressive episodes would not apply either, as the presence of at least one depressive episode is crucial for the diagnosis