Week 6 - Mood and Personality Disorders Flashcards
What causes bipolar disorder and depression?
Neurobiological factors (neurotransmitter theory - deficiency in serotonin or norepinephrine) Genetic factors Psychological stressors (life events)
What is Bipolar one?
A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs (oscillating episodes).
When is the most common risk period for Bipolar?
mid to late adolescence
What is mania?
Abnormal extremely elevated and excitable mood and goal directed activity lasting at least 1 week, with marked impairment in function.
Which type of bipolar is more severe?
Bipolar one as it is more extreme including mania
What is bipolar 2?
A less severe type of bipolar disorder characterised by depressive and hypomanic episodes.
It involves at least one depressive episode lasting at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode lasting at least four days.
What is hypomania?
Hypomania is a condition in which you display a revved up energy or activity level, mood or behaviour. The new “energized you” is recognized by others as beyond your usual self. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania.
Which is more common, bipolar 1 or bipolar 2?
Bipolar 2 (5%)
What is Dysthymia?
A mild but long-term form of depression. Dysthymia is defined as a low mood occurring for at least two years in adults or one year in children, along with at least two other symptoms of depression.
What is cyclothymia?
A mood disorder that causes emotional highs and lows. The mood shifts in cyclothymia aren’t as extreme as those in people with bipolar disorders.
How is bipolar treated?
Medications - lithium, atypical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
What are the symptoms of major depressive disorder?
Feelings of sadness Angry outbursts Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities Sleep disturbances Tiredness and lack of energy Reduced appetite and weight loss Anxiety, agitation or restlessness Slowed thinking Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Trouble thinking, concentrating Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts
How are depressive disorders treated?
Hospitalisation - diagnostic procedure, suicide risk
Psychosocial therapies - CBT, psychodynamic theories
Electroconvulsive Therapy - severe illness or catatonia
How is depression treated pharmalogically?
Antidepressants - tricyclic compounds, SSRI, SNRI
