Module 51 - Mood Disorders

Question 1

Mood Disorders

Answer 1

Psychological disorders characterized by emotional extremes.
Two forms:
1. Major Depressive Disorder
2. Bipolar Disorder

Question 2

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer 2

prolonged hopelessness and lethargy

Question 3

Bipolar Disorder (formerly manic-depressive)

Answer 3

alternation between depression and mania (overexcited, hyperactive state).

Question 4

Major Depression

Answer 4

Depression is often a response to a past or current loss.

One in four depressed persons report struggling with death of a loved one, broken marriage, or lost job.

Question 5

Major Depression

Answer 5

Diagnosis requires at least 5 of 9 possible symptoms nearly every day for at least 2 weeks:

1. Depressed mood most of day
2. Diminished interest in pleasure
3. Significant weight loss or gain
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
6. Fatigue or loss of energy
7. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate
9. Recurrent thoughts of death (or suicide with or without specific plan)

Question 6

Bipolar Disorder

Answer 6

from one extreme to the other.

Question 7

Bipolar Disorder (signs and symptoms)

Answer 7

Common signs and symptoms:

• Unusually “high” and optimistic OR extremely irritable
• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers
• Sleep very little sleep and feel extremely energetic
• Talk so rapidly that others can’t keep up
• Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next
• Highly distractible, unable to concentrate
• Impaired judgment, impulsiveness, reckless
• Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)

Question 8

Bipolar Disorder

Answer 8

Bipolar disorder has no single cause.

May be caused by neurotransmitter or hormonal imbalances (thyroid or cortisol) or circadian rhythm disturbances

Question 9

Bipolar Disorder; External factors (triggers):

Answer 9

◦ Stress – good or bad
◦ Substance Abuse – stimulants or depressants.
◦ Seasonal Changes – manic in summer months, depressive episodes during the fall, winter, and spring.
◦ Sleep Deprivation – Loss of sleep can trigger an episode of mania.

Question 10

The Biological Perspective

Answer 10

3 main areas of investigation:

1. Genetic Predispositions
2. BrainActivity
3. Biochemical/Hormonal Imbalances

Question 11

The Biological Perspective

Answer 11

Genetics:
1. Mood Disorders runs in families
2. Twin Studies: If one identical twin has major depression, 50% chance the other will (20% for fraternal twins)
Even greater for Bipolar Disorder... 70%
3. Genetic Linkage Studies


Question 12

Brain Activity:

Answer 12

Brain activity levels vary with mood state
(Left) frontal lobe in particular
Even short term manipulations in mood are evident (e.g. bummed out swimmers)

Question 13

Biochemical Imbalances:

Answer 13

Major Depression associated with decreased monoamine neurotransmitters: Norepinephrine, Serotonin (and dopamine)
Anti-depressants (and exercise) increase levels Hormonal changes suspected as well (elevated cortisol)

Question 14

Social Cognitive Perspective:

Answer 14

Emphasizes our modes of thinking and behaving

Question 15

Self-defeating beliefs:

Answer 15

May result from learned helplessness

Question 16

Understanding Depression

Answer 16

The social-cognitive perspective suggests that depression arises partly from self-defeating beliefs and negative explanatory styles.

Question 17

Vicious Cycle of Depression:

Answer 17

Depression often results from a loss
Behavioral changes can increase risk of more depression
brooding (self-rumination) amplifies the depression
may become withdrawn (anti-social) or negative/critical
this behavior then affects behavior of significant others

Question 18

Depression Cycle

Answer 18

1. Negative stressful events.
2. Pessimistic explanatory
   style.
3. Hopeless depressed state.
4. These hamper the way the
   individual thinks and acts, fueling personal rejection

Question 19

Suicide

Answer 19

Common Theme: Many suicides seem to involve overwhelming sense of loss of either:

1) belonging (rejection)
2) productivity (self-worth)