Ch.8 Mood Disorders Flashcards
2 Types of Mood Disorder
Unipolar depression
Bipolar depression
Major depressive disorder
5 or more depressive symptoms, including sad mood or loss of pleasure, for 2 weeks
Persistent depressive disorder
Low mood and at least 2 other symptoms of depression at least half of the time for 2 years
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Mood symptoms in the week before menses
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Severe recurrent temper outbursts and persistent negative mood for at least 1 year beginning before age 10
Bipolar 1 disorder
At least one lifetime manic episode
Bipolar 2 disorder
At least one lifetime hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode
Cyclothymia
Recurrentmood changes from high to low for at least 2 years, without hypomanic or depressive episodes
What are depressive disorders?
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in daily activities
Symptoms of Depressive Disorders
Changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, concentration and feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Types of Depressive Disorders
Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression
Impact on individuals and society
Depressive disorders can significantly impair an individual’s ability to function in daily life, work and relationships and can also have broader societal impacts in terms of healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Causes of Depressive Disorder
Biological Factors: imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine leading to disruption in mood regulation.
Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of depression are more likely to develop the disorder.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones such as those experienced during pregnancy, postpartum or menopause can contribute to the development of depression
Chronic Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, chronic pain or neurological disorders can increase the risk of depression.
Psychological Factors: Negative thought patterns, low self-esteem and unresolved trauma or abuse can lead to the onset of depressive disorders
Social Factors: Stressful life events, such as job loss, financial difficulties, or relationship problems can trigger or exacerbate depressive symptoms
Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Theory of Depression
Suggests that depression is caused by negative thought patterns rather than external events alone. According to Beck, individuals with depression tend to develop dysfunctional beliefs and cognitive distortions that lead to persistent negative views about themselves, the world, and the future.
Hopelessness Theory of Depression
Developed by Abramson, Metalsky, and Alloy (1989), is an extension of Beck’s Cognitive Theory and focuses on hopelessness as a central cause of depression. This theory suggests that individuals become depressed when they develop a pessimistic explanatory style and believe that negative events are inevitable and uncontrollable.
Major Depressive Disorder
A. 5 or more of the following symptoms for at least 2 weeks and represents a change from previous functioning (must include depression or anhedonia)
Depressed mood
Anhedonia
Significant change in weight/appetite
Fatigue/loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness/inappropriate guilt
Diminished ability to think/concentrate
Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation.
B. It must cause clinically significant distress or impairment. Need to rule out substance or medical condition as the cause
C. Not better explained by another psychiatric disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder
A. Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated by either subjective account or observation by others for at least 2 years.
B. Presence while depressed of at least 2 of the following:
1. Poor appetite/overeating
2. Insomnia/hypersomnia
3. Low energy/fatigute
4. Low self-esteem
5. Poor cocnentration or difficulty making decisions
6. Feelings of hopelessness
Must cause clinically significant distress or impairment.
Types of Depression: Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD is a type of depression that occurs in a seasonal pattern, typically during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter.
Symptoms include low energy, hypersomnia, increased appetite (especially cravings for carbohydrates), weight gain, social withdrawal.
It is thought to be linked to changes in sunlight exposure, which can affect circadian rhythms and serotonin levels. Treatment often includes light therapy, psychotherapy and sometimes antidepressants
Types of Depression: Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a serious condition with profound impacts on both the mother and child.
While traditional treatments such as antidepressants and antipsychotics remain standard, new therapies like brexanolone offer hope for more targeted and effective intervention.
Treatment Approaches
Cognitive-Behavioural therapy (CBT)
Antidepressant medication
Exercise therapy
Mindfulness-based interventions
Coping Strategies
Exercise regularly
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Maintain a healthy sleep schedule
Engage in enjoyable activities
Seek Social support
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Extreme Mood Swings: Bipolar disorder is characterized by rapid and extreme changes in mood, from emotional highs to emotional lows
Manic Episodes: During manic episodes, individuals may experience elevated mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep and impulsive behaviour.
Depressive Episodes: Depressive episodes are characterized by persistent feelings of sadness , hopelessness, low energy and loss of interest in activities.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Mood Episodes: Individuals with bipolar disorder experience significant and abrupt shifts in mood,ranging from extreme highs (manic episodes) and severe lows (depressive episodes)
Changes in Energy/Activity levels: During manic episodes, a person may feel an overwhelming sense of energy, confidence and productivity leading to increased activity nad reduced need for sleep. In contrast, depressive episodes are characterized by low energy, fatigute and decreased motivation.
Difficulties in Daily Functioning: The mood swings and changes in energy and activity levels associated with bipolar disorder can signifcantly impair a person’s ability to maintain a stable routine, manage relationships, and fulfill work or academic responsibilities.
Bipolar 1 Disorder
This is the most severe form of bipolar disorder. It involves episodes of severe mood swings, including manic episodes and major depressive episodes
Bipolar 2 Disorder
This type involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes of Bipolar 1
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Genetic Factors: Bipolar disorder is known to run in families, suggesting strong genetic component. Researchers have identified several genes that may contribute to the development of the condition
Biological Factors: Imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are believed to play a role in the development of bipolar disorder. These chemical imbalances can affect mood regulation.
Environmental Factors: Stressful life events, trauma and other environmental factors can trigger the onset of bipolar disorder in individuals who are gentically predisposed to the condition. Stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and lead to mood episodes.
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensivepsychiatric evaluation, which includes a thorough review of the individual’s symptoms, medical history and the results of various lab tests.
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder: Medication
Medications such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics are often prescribed to help manage the manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder: Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy can help patients develop coping strategies, improve communication and relationships and manage their symptoms
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder: Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, engaging in physical activity and managing stress through techniques like meditation or relaxation exercises can also be beneficial in managing bipolar disorder.
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder: Monitoring/Adjustments
Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals and adjustments to the treatment plan as needed are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the chosen treatment approach.
Suicide Rates
Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, with over 800,000 people taking their own lives each year
Soaring self-harm incidents
Globally, the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury, such as cutting or burning, is estimated to affect up to 18% of the population.
Suicide impact on families
Suicide and self-harm behaviours have a profound emotional and financial toil on families and communities, leading to grief, trauma and long-lasting consequences
Societal challenges and barriers regarding suicide
Stigma, lack of access to mental health resources and limited awareness contribute to the difficulties in addressing this public health crisis effectively.
Warning Signs to Watch for suicide
Changes in behaviour: sudden shifts in mood, withdrawal from friends, activities, impulsive actions and neglecting personal hygiene and responsibilities.
Verbal cues: direct/indirect statements about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
Social media indicators: posts about suicide, self-harm or feelings of despair/
