A study that followed people with bipolar disorder for nearly 3 years found that those with greater sensitivity to reward relapsed into manic or hypomanic symptoms sooner than did those with lower sensitivity to reward.Provide an example of what sensitivity to reward and a relapse into manic or hypomanic symptoms might look like.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding the concept of sensitivity to reward: Sensitivity to reward refers to an individual's tendency to respond more strongly to rewarding stimuli or experiences. It involves the brain's reward system and how it processes and reacts to positive reinforcement.
• Recognizing the symptoms of manic or hypomanic episodes: Manic or hypomanic symptoms are characteristic of bipolar disorder and involve periods of elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and heightened activity levels. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration but generally disrupt daily functioning and may lead to risky behaviors or poor decision-making.
• Identifying an example of sensitivity to reward: For instance, a person with high sensitivity to reward may experience a surge of euphoria and excitement when receiving positive feedback or achieving a goal. They may feel an intense rush of pleasure and motivation, which can potentially trigger a manic or hypomanic episode.