week 4 Flashcards
Characterised by recurring manic, depressive and hypomanic episodes with at least one manic episode, which are defined as persistently elevated or irritable mood and increased activity/energy lasting minimum one week with a marked impairment of functioning.
Bipolar I disorder
Characterised by recurring mood episodes consisting of at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, which is defined as persistently elevated or irritable mood and increased activity/energy lasting minimum 4 days with a noticeable change from usual behaviour and functioning.
Bipolar II disorder
Characterised by depressed mood for most of the day, for more day than not, lasting a period of at least 2 years.
Other symptoms include: changes to appetitie, changes to sleep, low self-esteem, fatigue/decreased energy, feelings of hopelessness, poor concentration or diffculty making decisions.
Persistent depressive disorder
Characterised by rapid, unpredictable and/or uncontrollable shifts in mood, irritability, dysphoria and anxiety symptoms that occur repeatedly during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle.
Other symptoms include: decreased interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, fatigue/decreased energy, changes in apetite, changes in sleep, feelings of lack of control or overwhelm or physical symptoms (e.g., breast tenderness, muscle pain, bloating).
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Characterised by chronic, fluctuating mood distrubances with numerous periods of depressive symptoms and hypomanic symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for an episode over a period of at least 2 years.
Cyclothymic disorder
Characterised by the experience of depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure nearly everyday lasting for at least two weeks.
Other symptoms include: changes to weight or appetitie, changes to sleep, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue/decreased energy, feelings of worthless or excessive guilt or recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.
Major depressive disorder
Summary of Biological Causes of Mood Disorders:
Biological factors play a significant role in the development of mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. Here are key points regarding the biological causes:
Genetics:
Family studies suggest a genetic predisposition to depressive disorders, with higher rates of depression among relatives compared to the general population.
Twin studies indicate a strong genetic link, with identical twins showing higher concordance rates for depression compared to fraternal twins.
Specific genes, such as the 5-HTT gene related to serotonin activity, have been implicated in depression.
Biochemical Factors:
Low levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine are associated with depressive symptoms.
Research suggests that medications affecting these neurotransmitters can alleviate depressive symptoms.
Imbalances in neurotransmitter activity, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine, may contribute to the development of depression and bipolar disorder.
Endocrine System:
Hormones, such as cortisol (related to stress response) and melatonin (related to sleep), may influence mood and contribute to depressive symptoms.
Brain Anatomy:
Structural abnormalities in brain regions like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala are linked to mood disorders.
Changes in blood flow and neuronal activity in these brain areas are associated with depressive symptoms.
In bipolar disorder, abnormalities in brain structures like the basal ganglia and cerebellum are observed, along with altered brain activity related to emotional regulation.
Overall, biological factors involving genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal influences, and brain structure abnormalities contribute significantly to the etiology of mood disorders. Further research is needed to better understand the complex interactions and mechanisms underlying these biological causes.
Client and clinician work together to:
- understand the relationship between a person’s thoughts, feelings and behavior,
- develop more adaptive ways of thinking about situations, and
- changing behavior (e.g., behavioural activation exercises).
Cognitive behavioural therapy
This approach is based on the assumption that:
- Depression is a medical illness.
- Mood and life situations are related.
- Depression often triggered by or follows from disturbing life event (e.g., death of a loved one etc.).
Thus, the premise is, if patients can solve the life problem, depression symptoms should resolve.
Interpersonal therapy
In this approach, the clinician helps the client by:
- increasing the amount of positive reinforcement they receive by engaging in pleasurable and social activities
- decreasing negative behaviour which can worsen depression (e.g., social withdrawal).
In this approach, the clinician helps the client by:
- increasing the amount of positive reinforcement they receive by engaging in pleasurable and social activities
- decreasing negative behaviour which can worsen depression (e.g., social withdrawal).
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be effective in cases where an individual does not respond to medication or has extreme depression.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.
My words – Kills off depressed prone neurons – produces new neurons
Symptoms of depression span 5 areas
1: Emotional – feel sad, miserable, empty, report deriving little pleasure from anything, may feel anxious
- Motivational – lack drive, initiative, spontaneity
- Behavioural symptoms – less active, less productive, sleep disturbed, changes in eating, move or speak more slowly
- Cognitive symptoms – depressed individuals can feel as though they are inadequate, undesirable, inferior – also may experience pessimism, confusion,
indecisiveness, and be easily distracted - Physical disturbances – fatigue, headaches, indigestion, constipation, dizzy spells,
general pain
