What characterizes bipolar 2 disorder?

Bipolar 2 disorder is characterized by the presence of hypomanic episodes, along with at least one major depressive episode. In this context, the option indicating the presence of no mania aligns with the diagnostic criteria for bipolar 2 disorder. Unlike bipolar 1 disorder, where full manic episodes are present, individuals with bipolar 2 disorder experience hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania and does not include the same level of impairment or potential for psychosis. Therefore, the defining feature of bipolar 2 disorder is the absence of full manic episodes, making the option that states "presence of no mania" the correct characterization of the disorder.

Other options focus on manic or hypomanic experiences, which do not align with the distinct criteria necessary to diagnose bipolar 2 disorder, where the defining episodes are those of hypomania and major depression without the occurrence of full mania. This ensures that the nuances of mood disorders, specifically the distinctions in the severity and types of episodes experienced, are accurately reflected in the diagnosis.