Mood and Bipolar Disorders

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Mood and Bipolar Disorders lecture notes.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation; lower levels are frequently observed in depression, contributing to mood disturbances.

Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

Neurotransmitter important for the body's stress response and arousal; reduced levels can lead to fatigue and lack of motivation in depression.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter central to the brain's reward system; deficits can result in anhedonia in severe depression.

Serotonin receptors

Proteins on the postsynaptic membrane that receive and respond to serotonin.

Serotonin transporter

Presynaptic protein that reabsorbs serotonin from the synapse back into the presynaptic neuron.

Bipolar disorder

A mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania/hypomania and depression.

Unipolar depression

Depression without manic or hypomanic episodes.

Genetic factors

Genetic contributions to bipolar disorder; estimates suggest a large portion of risk, with specific genes hard to identify.

Polymorphism

A genetic variation; minor changes in DNA that can affect biochemical pathways linked to mood disorders.

5-HT2C receptor gene

Gene encoding a serotonin receptor (5-HT2C) implicated in bipolar disorder research.

5-HTT gene

Serotonin transporter gene involved in serotonin reuptake.

SADS-L

Croatian-language Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Lifetime Version; diagnostic interview used to assess mood disorders.

Correlational study

Research design that examines associations between variables without inferring causation.

Matched pairs design

Study design where participants are paired on key variables (e.g., age, sex) to control for confounds.

DNA test

Blood test used to determine the frequency of specific gene alleles.

Control group

Group without the condition used for comparison, matched on relevant variables.

Sexually dimorphic

Differences between males and females caused by inheritance patterns of genetic material.

Biochemical pathways disturbances due to polymorphisms

Gene variations can disturb biochemical pathways linked to depressive disorders.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Antidepressants from the 1950s that increase serotonin and norepinephrine by blocking reuptake; often have more side effects.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Antidepressants that inhibit monoamine oxidase, increasing norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine levels; may cause interactions and side effects.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; antidepressants with a focus on increasing serotonin signaling and often fewer side effects.

Cognitive restructuring

Therapeutic technique involving psychoeducation, thought records, reality testing, and reframing irrational beliefs.

Thought record

Diary or log used to identify irrational thoughts and automatic negative thoughts in real life.

Reality testing

Challenging and evaluating the accuracy of beliefs against evidence.

Reattribution

Reframing of events to more plausible, alternative causes as part of cognitive restructuring.

ABC model

Activating events, Beliefs, Consequences; a framework used in REBT to identify and dispute irrational beliefs.

REBT

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, developed by Albert Ellis; focuses on disputing irrational beliefs and reshaping thinking.

Disputing irrational beliefs

Therapist questions irrational beliefs to foster more rational thinking and emotional improvement.

Efficacy of antidepressants vs placebo

Large studies show TCAs, MAOIs and SSRIs are more effective than placebo, especially for moderate to severe depression; effects may be less clear for mild cases.