Which condition is more common and features both mania and depression?

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by the presence of both depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than the full manic episodes seen in Bipolar I disorder. This condition leads to mood fluctuations between periods of heightened energy and activity (hypomania) and significant depressive episodes.

Individuals with Bipolar II disorder may experience extended periods of depression that can severely impact their daily functioning, alongside shorter episodes of hypomania that might not be as disruptive as full mania. The combination of these two components—depression and hypomania—distinguishes Bipolar II from other mood disorders, making it the correct choice.

In contrast, while Bipolar I also includes episodes of mania and may feature depressive episodes, the question specifically highlights the occurrence of both mania and depression uniquely linked to Bipolar II. Major depressive disorder is marked solely by depressive episodes without any hypomanic or manic components. Prepartum depression, or depression related to pregnancy, does not involve mania or hypomania at all, further distinguishing it from Bipolar II disorder. Understanding the nuances of these mood disorders is crucial in the field of psychopathology, especially when identifying appropriate treatment approaches.