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Individuals with which disorder can display rapid and frequent mood swings?

  1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

  2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  3. Bipolar disorder

  4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The correct answer is: Bipolar disorder

Individuals with bipolar disorder can exhibit rapid and frequent mood swings, which are characteristic of this condition. This mental health disorder is defined by alternating episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression. During manic phases, a person may experience elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior, while depressive phases bring about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy. The swings between these two states can be quite pronounced, leading to significant shifts in mood over a relatively short period. In terms of other disorders, generalized anxiety disorder typically involves persistent and excessive worry but does not focus on mood swings. Obsessive-compulsive disorder primarily revolves around recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), rather than fluctuating moods. Post-traumatic stress disorder can lead to negative mood symptoms, but again, it is not characterized by the rapid mood changes that define bipolar disorder. Therefore, bipolar disorder is the condition that best matches the description of individuals displaying rapid and frequent mood swings.