Other depressive disorders

Question 1

Recurrent depressive disorder

Answer 1

• Another depressive episode after first
• Repeated episodes of depression (same subtyping/severity criteria), without any history of independent episodes of mood elevation and increased energy (mania).

Question 2

baby blues

Answer 2

• 60-70% W
• Starts 2-3d after birth + lasts 1-2d
• More common in primiparae (first-birth)
• Rx: reassurance

Question 3

Dysthymia (need to know for exam)

treatment

Answer 3

• Depressive state for at least 2 yrs, which doesn’t meet the criteria for mild, moderate or severe depressive disorder + not the result of partially treated depressive disorder
• More chronic than depression
• Rx: SSRIs e.g citalopram

Question 4

Cyclothymia (need to know for exam)

treatment

Answer 4

• Chronic mood fluctuation over at least 2 yr period w/ episodes of elation + depression (insufficient to meet the criteria of hypomanic and depressive disorder)
• Rx:
o Lithium (mood stabiliser)
o Psychotherapy

Question 5

Post-natal depression

treatment

Answer 5

• 10% W
• Start w/in a month
• Same clinical features as depression
o Thought content: inability to cope adequately w/ baby + worries about babie’s health
• Rx: education, support, anti-depressants, CBT, if severe [harm to self or baby] then hospital admission

Question 6

Seasonal affective disorder

Answer 6

• Depressive episodes recurring annually at same time each year (usually winter)

Question 7

Masked depression

Answer 7

• A state in which the depressed mood is not prominent, but other features of depressive disorder are: sleep disturbance, DVM…

Question 8

Atypical depression

Answer 8

• Usually occurs in mild-moderate depression
• Subtype of depressive disorder
• Atypical features: melancholic/somatic, post-partum and catanonic
• Reversal of symptoms: overeating, weight gain, hypersomnia