Lecture 8: Depressive and Bipolar Disorders Flashcards
depression
low mental state characterized by significant levels of sadness, lack of energy, low self-worth, guilt, or related symptoms
mania
state or episode of euphoria or frenzied activity in which people may have an exaggerated belief that the world is theirs for the taking
depressive disorders
group of disorders marked by unipolar depression
unipolar depression
depression without a history of mania. episodes of unipolar depression are often triggered by stressful events
emotional symptoms
feeling negative emotions and experiencing little pleasure
anhedonia
the inability to experience joy
motivational symptoms
no desire to take part in activities
behavioral symptoms
being less active and less productive
cognitive symptoms
having negative thoughts, negative self-view, and being pessimistic
physical symptoms
headaches, dizziness, problems with the digestive system, and general pain
major depressive episode
a period of at least 2 weeks with significant distress or impairment characterized by:
- an increase in depressed mood and/or a decrease in enjoyment or interest across most activities
- at least. 3 of the following symptoms: weight or appetite change, daily insomnia or hypersomnia, daily agitation or decrease in motor activity, daily fatigue or lethargy, daily feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, daily reduction in concentration or decisiveness, focus on death or suicide
major depressive disorder
major depressive episode and no pattern of mania or hypomania
peirpartum
type of MDD that occurs during or after childbirth. this disorder may also be seasonal, for example, it may reoccur every winter
melancholic
type of MDD where pleasant events do not affect the person
catatonic form
form of MDD that is characterized by immobility, or excessive mobility and rigid movements
persistent depressive disorder
when major depressive disorder is present for at least 2 years
premenstrual dysphoric disorder
depressive symptoms occurring the week before menstruation
disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
characterized by a combination of persistent depressive symptoms and recurrent outbursts of severe temper. emerges in mid-childhood or adolescence
biological view of causes of unipolar depression
- genetic factors: genetic predisposition for depression
- biochemical factors: unbalanced levels or neurotransmitters, especially low norepinephrine and serotonin activity. hormones and HPA pathways might also have a relationship with depression
- brain anatomy: low activity in the PFC, small hippocampus, less neuronal growth, high activity in the amygdala, small and more active subgenual cingulate, problematic interconnectivity between these structures
- immune system: prolonged stress causes immune dysregulation, which can contribute to depression
psychodynamic view of causes of unipolar depression
- depression as a consequence of not being able to move on after losing a loved one
- depression without loss of a loved one, the cause is symbolic or imagined loss = unconsciously interpreting something as loss of a loved one
sociocultural view of causes of unipolar depression
- family social perspective: no available social support and lack of social reward can lead to depression
- multicultural perspective: a strong link exists between gender and depression, women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression
cognitive-behavioral view of causes of unipolar depression
- depression results from problematic behaviors and dysfunctional thinking
- theoretical perspectives:
- behavioral dimension
- negative thinking
- learned helplessness