Mood Disorders Review

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to mood disorders, including definitions of various related disorders, treatment approaches, and epidemiological insights.

Major Depressive Disorder

Characterized by at least one major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks, with symptoms including persistent sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and disruption in sleep and appetite.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

A chronic state of depression with milder symptoms lasting two years or more, often leading to social isolation and higher risk for suicide.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

A severe form of premenstrual syndrome with symptoms including deep sadness, anxiety, and changes in sleep and appetite, affecting 1% to 8% of women of reproductive age.

Bipolar Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.

Mania

A state of elevated mood often accompanied by inappropriate behavior, rapid speech, and lower impulse control.

Hypomania

A milder form of mania lasting at least four days without significant impairment in functioning.

Cyclothymic Disorder

A mood disorder with fluctuating periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for full major depressive episodes.

Risk Factors for Depression

Include gender, socioeconomic status, and reproductive events; women are significantly more affected than men.

Comorbidity

The co-occurrence of multiple disorders; in depressive disorders, it often includes anxiety and other psychological disorders.

Suicide Ideation

Thoughts about death or wanting to die, which can be passive or active, varying in severity.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A psychological treatment aiming to improve mood by changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A medical treatment for severe depression involving electrical stimulation of the brain, often used when other treatments fail.

Biological Perspective of Depression

Focuses on genetic factors and neurochemical imbalances, with heritability rates for major depression around 30% to 40%.

Psychodynamic Theory

A psychological approach suggesting depression is a reaction of 'anger turned inward' after a real or perceived loss.

Dysregulation

A lack of control over emotions, often seen in various mood disorders, leading to severe swings in mood.

Prevalence

The measure of how common a disorder is in a population, for example, Major Depressive Disorder has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 20.6%.