PYB306 Psychopathology - Mood Disorders and Suicide Interventions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to mood disorders, their symptoms, treatments, and related topics including suicide and intervention strategies.

Mood Disorders

Psychological conditions defined by disturbances in a person's emotional state, such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Dysphoria

A state of general dissatisfaction or unease, typically characterized by a low mood.

Hypomania

A milder form of mania characterized by increased energy and activity, but not severe enough to cause marked impairment.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A mental disorder characterized by at least one major depressive episode, including symptoms like depressed mood or loss of interest.

Bipolar Disorder

A mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

Symptoms of Major Depressive Episode

Includes depressed mood, loss of interest, significant weight changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and recurrent thoughts of death.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

A chronic form of depression where a person experiences a depressed mood most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years.

Suicide

The act of intentionally taking one’s own life, with a high correlation to mental disorders, particularly depression.

Risk Factors for Suicide

Include the presence of a mental disorder, previous suicide attempts, recent life events, and feelings of hopelessness.

Intervention Principles

Strategies aimed at preventing suicide, including access to psychotherapy, crisis centers, and community support.

Cognitive Vulnerability

A psychological factor where individuals develop maladaptive schemas leading to negative interpretations of experiences.

DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, categorizing mental disorders and their symptoms.

Psychotherapy

A treatment method involving psychological techniques, aimed at improving mental health conditions through dialogue.

Common Treatments for Depression

May include psychotherapy, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes to improve emotional well-being.

Euthymia

A state of normal, stable mood; neither depressed nor manic.

Comorbidities

The occurrence of two or more disorders or conditions in the same individual, often increasing the complexity of treatment.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues.

Crisis Centre

A facility or organization that provides immediate support and intervention for individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide.

Social Isolation

A state where an individual lacks social connections or support, which can be a significant risk factor for mental health issues.

MDE

Major Depressive Episode, characterized by a minimum of five specific symptoms lasting for at least two weeks.

Antidepressants

Medications prescribed to relieve symptoms of depression, which may include various classes such as SSRIs and TCAs.

HPA Axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a complex set of interactions in the body that controls the stress response.