Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by a sustained feeling that overly emphasizes personal importance?

1. A depressive mood

2. Expansive mood

3. Irritable mood

4. Anxiety disorder

The correct answer is: Expansive mood

The condition characterized by a sustained feeling that overly emphasizes personal importance is an expansive mood. This term is often used in the context of mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder. An expansive mood typically features an exaggerated sense of self-importance, enhanced self-esteem, and a feeling of being unusually optimistic or euphoric. Individuals experiencing this type of mood may engage in grandiosity, which involves an inflated sense of self-worth and an unrealistic belief in their capabilities and significance. In contrast, a depressive mood is marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities that were once pleasurable. An irritable mood involves heightened levels of frustration and agitation but does not necessarily include an inflated sense of importance. Lastly, an anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry, fear, or apprehension, which also diverges from the core attribute of an expansive mood. Therefore, expansive mood stands out as the condition that rightly aligns with the description provided in the question.