Module 49: Depressive Disorders and Bipolar Disorders Flashcards
major depressive disorder (MDD)
person experiences, in the absence of drugs or another medical condition, 2 or more weeks with five or more symptoms, at least one of which must be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure
persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
person experiences mildly depressed mood more often than not for at least 2 years, along with at least two other symptoms.
seasonal adaptive disorder (SAD)
depressive symptoms may have a seasonal pattern
Bipolar disorder
Disorder in which a person alternates between hopelessness and lethargy of depression and an overexcited state of main; formerly called manic-depressive disorder
Much less common than major depressive disorder but is often more dysfunctional
Potent predictor of suicide
Mania
A hyperactive, wildly optimistic state in which dangerously poor judgment is common
Hypermania = Bipolar I
Hypomania = Bipolar II
Genetic influences
Risk increases if family member has disorder.
Twin studies: Estimated heritability of major depression is 37 percent.
Linkage analysis points to “chromosome
neighborhood.”
Many genes work together and produce
interacting small effects that increase risk for depression.
The depressed brain
Brian activity slows during depression.
Left frontal lobe is less active.
Norepinephrine and serotonin levels decline.
understanding depressive/bipolar disorders
Depressed people view self and world negatively.
Learned helplessness may coexist with self-defeating beliefs, self-focused rumination, and self-blaming and pessimistic explanatory style.
Rumination
explanatory style and depression
Stable -> Global -> Internal -> Depression
Temporary -> Specific -> External -> Successful coping
The Vicious Cycle of Depressed Thinking
Stressful experiences -> negative explanatory style -> depressed mood -> cognitive/behavioral changes (repeats in a cycle)
