Download Mood Disorders and Suicide

Mood Disorders
and Suicide
Abnormal Psychology
Chapter 7
Mood Disorders

Understanding depression as opposed
to the experience of sadness


Intensity and duration
Effects on functioning
Mood Disorders


Unipolar Mood Disorders:

Major Depression

Dysthymia

Mania
Bipolar Disorder
Major Depression



Cognitive symptoms
Physical symptoms- psychomotor
retardation; sleep changes, appetite
changes
Loss of interest/inability to experience
pleasure
Mania

Elation, euphoria, hyperactivity, agitation

Grandiosity

Rapid speech, incoherence: “flight of ideas”

Risky behavior

Hypomanic episode- less severe/risky than mania
Major Depression

Initial diagnosis- single episode


Rare; typically recurs- 85% later
experience a second episode
Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent


Median- four episodes over the lifespan
Each episode- average of 4-5 months
Dysthymic Disorder


Depressive symptoms more mild than
Major Depression
2 years or longer, without being
symptom free for longer than 2 months
“Double Depression”

Major Depressive episodes occurring
with Dysthymic Disorder

High rate of relapse/recurrence
Onset of Major Depression


Increased risk during adolescence
Trend: Depression is occurring at earlier
ages, worldwide
Understanding Grief

Following the loss of a loved one,
symptoms of depression are common

Concerning symptoms:



Prolonged depression
Psychotic features
Suicidal ideation
Bipolar Disorder

Manic episodes alternate with Major
Depressive episodes


Bipolar I: entails full manic episodes
Bipolar II: entails hypomanic episodes (less
severe)
Bipolar Disorder


Average age of onset for Bipolar I- 18
years
Average age of onset for Bipolar II: 1922


Can begin in childhood
Relatively rare to develop after 40
Specifiers:
Additional Defining Criteria

Catatonic features

Psychotic features

Postpartum onset

Seasonal patterns: (SAD)

Rapid cycling (noted in 20-40% cases of bipolar
disorder)
Mood Disorders in Children
and Adolescents


Manic states may be classified by more
irritability/agitation vs. adults
Children, particularly boys: depression
may be accompanied by aggression and
conduct problems
Major Depression in Elderly
Populations


Increase in physical problems
accompanied by a reduction in social
support
Suicide rates are highest in elderly
groups
Mood Disorders:
Causes

Biological: twin/family studies- strongly
heritable

Neurotransmitters: lower levels of serotonin, other
neurotransmitters vary more widely as a result

Psychological: diathesis-stress model; trauma

Social: marital relationships, work difficulties,
social support
Learned Helplessness

Depressive Attribution Style

Internal: attributes negative events to personal
shortcomings

Stable: other bad things will still be my fault

Global: negativity across a range of issues
Mood Disorders: Treatment

Antidepressants: Tricyclic, MAO
inhibitors,Serotonin-specific reuptake
inhibitors

Research: anti-depressants and suicide

Lithium: treatment of Bipolar Disorder


Toxicity
50% of individuals with Bipolar Disorder
respond well
ECT

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Controversial approach- used much less
frequently
Psychological Treatment

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Combined Approaches

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder:



Regulation of sleep cycles and daily
routines, nutritional regimens
Treating the family:

Family involvement lessens the relapse rate