Abnormal Psychology - Lecture Three Flashcards
Depressive Disorders
Major Depressive Disorder
Five or more of the following in a 2 week period and a change from previous functioning (must include either depressed mood or loss of interest):
Depressed mood most of the day
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities
Clinically significant weight loss or gain (>5% change)
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, indecisiveness
Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, plan or attempt
DSM-5 Depressive Disorders
Major Depressive Disorder (requires presence of Major Depressive Episode(s))
Persistent Depressive Diorder
Biochemical factors of Depressive Disorders
Neurotransmitters: norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine
Hormones: Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis and cortisol
Norepinephrine
Allows you to mobilise your body for movement
Serotonin
Contributes to wellbeing, happiness and sleep
Dopamine
Reward processing
Cortisol
Breaks down neurotransmitters
Emotional (or limbic) system projects to prefrontal cortex
Leads to difficulty in regulating negative emotions
Cognitive theories
Negative thoughts and beliefs = depression
Beck’s cognitive therapy phases (~20 sessions)
Increase activities and elevate mood
Challenge automatic thoughts
Identify negative thinking and biases
Change primary attitudes/schemas
Beck’s cognitive therapy research
75+ studies which is effective and reduced risk of relapse and can be done online and face-to-face
Common antidepressant drugs
MAO inhibitors, tricyclics and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors
Electroconvulsive therapy
Effective for severe depression but has side effects and relapse is common
