Mania duration question: Which statement is correct?

• A. Hypomania lasts at least 7 days.
• B. Mania lasts at least 1 week.
• C. Hypomania lasts at least 1 day.
• D. Mania lasts at least 3 weeks.

Answer: (B)

Manic episodes are defined by a distinct period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood with increased energy that lasts at least one week (unless hospitalization is necessary). This minimum duration is why the statement that mania lasts at least one week is correct. Hypomania, by contrast, requires four consecutive days of similar symptoms, so statements about seven days or one day don’t fit. Saying mania must last at least three weeks goes beyond the official minimum, even though some episodes can last that long. So the claim that mania lasts at least one week matches the diagnostic criterion.