Introduction

Question 1

What is unipolar depression, and how is it diagnosed?

Answer 1

Unipolar Depression is…

The DSM-IV’s diagnostic criteria for a depressive episode is 5 or more of the following symptoms in a two week period - one must be a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure…

Affective: depressed mood,
Cognitive: unable to think or concentrate, recurring thoughts of death, feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Behavioural: diminishing interest in all activities, psychomotor changes (eg slow movement)
Physical functioning: insomnia and hyposomnia, loss of energy, weight loss or weight gain

Symptoms must be causing distress or impair everyday functioning.

Question 2

What is bipolar depression, and how is it diagnosed?

Answer 2

Bipolar disorder consists of cycles of depression and mania.

DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder includes depression diagnosis, and states 3/4 of following symptoms needed in manic phase - one must be elevated/irritable mood.

Rapid speech, talkativeness, distractible, less sleep needed, inflated self esteem, increase in activity level, taking part in lots of pleasurable activities, flight of ideas (racing thoughts)

Symptoms must be causing distress or impair everyday functioning.

Question 3

Distinguish between unipolar and bipolar depression?

Answer 3

• Both have depressive phases, only bipolar has mania.
• Depression more common at 5%, bipolar only 1%
• Depression more prevalent in women, bipolar in both
• Require different treatment

Question 4

What is mania?

Answer 4

An emotional state of intense but unfounded elation. Episodes of heightened activity occur.