Mood and Personality Disorders Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from a lecture on mood and personality disorders.

Depression

Extreme sadness, feeling hopeless, and generalizing to other areas of life, making it disabling.

Dysthymia/Dysthymic Disorder

A disorder characterized by chronic mild depression where individuals function but lack joy in living.

SSRI Drugs

Drugs that increase serotonin levels in the synapse by preventing its reuptake, commonly used as a first choice for depression.

SNRI Drugs

Drugs that increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the synapse, used as antidepressants.

ECT/Electroconvulsive Therapy

A procedure involving induced seizures, rarely used but sometimes effective for severe depression unresponsive to other treatments.

Bipolar Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and mania.

Mania

Describes bizarre, goal-directed behaviors, extreme energy, little need for sleep, reckless behavior, and feelings of grandiosity.

Cyclothymic Disorder

A milder form of bipolar disorder with less extreme mood swings.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by a lack of conscience, morals, or guilt, and selfish behavior. Individuals often use and abuse others to fulfill their needs.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

A personality disorder where individuals seek drama and are very theatrical and emotional.