Mood Disorders

Question 1

Criteria of Major Depressive Disorders

Answer 1

• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities
• Significant inc / dec in appetite / weight
• Insomnia, oversleeping
• Lethargy / physical agitation
• Worthlessness, guilt / thoughts of death
• Daily problems in thinking, concentrating
• Not easily healed w/ time

Question 2

Is Major Depression Disorder just a depressive reaction?

Answer 2

No; MDD patients can be depressed even if there’s nothing to be depressed about; depression can get worse when ppl imply that it’s an exaggerated response

Question 3

Is depression the “common cold” of disorders?

Answer 3

Although it is frequent in ppl recovering from phobias and ravages 6% men, 9% women, comparing it to a cold is a false analogy

Question 4

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Answer 4

Involves a recurring seasonal pattern of depression, usually during winter’s dark, cold days; 8% men, 21% women

Question 5

Bipolar Disorder

Answer 5

Aka “manic-depressive disorder”
Disorder that switches btwn long periods of depression and shorter periods of mania
Many successful / creative ppl have lived w/ this disorder; depression gives them ideas and mania gives them energy

Question 6

Bipolar Disorder - Depressed Mood

Answer 6

Exhibits similar symptoms as depression

Longer part of the cycle

Question 7

Bipolar Disorder - Mania

Answer 7

Period of hyper-elevated mood that is euphoric and hyperactive but also easily irritated
Shorter part of the cycle

Question 8

What happens to the brain during depression?

Answer 8

Brain activity is diminished; frontal lobes are smaller in depression and have fewer axons in bipolar disorder
Less norepinephrine / serotonin in depression

Question 9

How can we reduce depression?

Answer 9

1. Adjust neurotransmitters w/ medication
2. Inc serotonin levels w/ exercise
3. Reduce brain inflammation w/ healthy diet
4. Prevent excessive alcohol use