MDD Flashcards
A major depressive episode must include
(1) Depressed mood for most of the day
(2) Loss of interest in normal daily activities
What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
A disorder characterized by at least one major depressive episode causing clinically significant distress, not due to substances/medical conditions, and no history of manic/hypomanic episodes.
How long do you need key symptoms of a major depressive episode?
Five or more symptoms during a 2-week period
How does Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) differ from MDD?
PDD involves depressive symptoms lasting at least two years with no break longer than two months, whereas MDD involves distinct depressive episodes
What percentage of people suffer from depression globally?
Over 262 million worldwide (WHO, 2020).
How common is depression in the U.S.?
Lifetime prevalence: ~29.9%; 12-month prevalence: ~8.6%.
What factors contribute to depression?
Genetic predisposition, early life stress, chronic stress, major life events, and neurobiological changes
What is Beck’s Cognitive Model of Depression?
A model suggesting depression is maintained by biased information processing, leading to a negative cognitive triad
depressive disorders in children
Children (1-2%)
Report more physical symptoms (e.g., headache,
stomach pains)
Girls-boys equal
After puberty (3-5%)
Gender disparity appears.
Do girls cognitively process social stress differently, thus
higher risk for depression?
11
What is Seligman’s Learned Helplessness Theory?
The idea that repeated failures lead individuals to stop trying, developing a sense of helplessness that contributes to depression.
Negative cognitive triad
self, world, future
What are the main biological treatments for depression?
SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, MAO inhibitors, ketamine, ECT, TMS, VNS, and DBS.
What is the most effective approach to treating depression?
A combination of medication and psychotherapy (especially CBT).
For treatment-resistant depression
Electroconvulsive therapy
What are the main types of bipolar disorders?
Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder.
What is the key feature of Bipolar I Disorder?
At least one manic episode, which may include depressive or hypomanic episodes.
What is a manic episode?
A distinct period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood and increased energy lasting at least one week
How does Bipolar II differ from Bipolar I?
Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode but no full manic episodes.
What is Cyclothymic Disorder?
A mood disorder involving fluctuating hypomanic and depressive symptoms for at least two years without meeting full criteria for Bipolar I or II.
What genetic factors contribute to bipolar disorder?
Heritability is about 5-10% in first-degree relatives and 40-70% in identical twins.
What biological factors are implicated in bipolar disorder?
Irregular neurotransmitter activity (norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate) and abnormal ion activity affect neuron function.
What medications are commonly used for bipolar disorder?
Mood stabilizers (e.g., Lithium), anticonvulsants (e.g., Lamictal, Depakote), antipsychotics, and antidepressants (used cautiously).
True or false: Aretaeus (150 CE) linked mania and depression/ melancholia as one disorder
true
BPD prevalence
1%
Cyclothymia- 2.4%
no differences in race or gender
Genetic factors BPD
Heritability ~5-10% in 1st degree relatives
40-70% for identical twins
Overlap w/ schizophrenia?
Environmental factors: BPD
Elevated likelihood of relapse among those living with high
stress, including criticism, hostility, negative emotional
families
Treatments for BPD
mood stabilizers
Anti-convulsants
Anti-psychotics
Antidepressants
therapy
What are the main risk factors for suicide
Prior attempts, family history, mental illness (depression, bipolar, schizophrenia), substance abuse, stress, hopelessness, and lack of social connectedness.
global prevalence for suicide with BPD
15-20% of those with a bipolar disorder die by suicide
20-60% make at least one attempt
How does suicide risk differ by age?
Elderly individuals often have physical illness and hopelessness, increasing risk.
How do cultural attitudes toward suicide vary?
Eastern cultures may see it as noble/selfless, whereas Western cultures often view it as shameful or cowardly.
Euthanasia
“mercy killings”
