Unit 7 Mood disorders

Major Depressive Disorder

is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. , is characterized by a persistently depressed mood lasting for a minimum of 2 weeks. The length of a depressive episode may vary. About 20% of cases become chronic (i.e., lasting more than 2 years). While depression begins with a single occurrence, most people experience recurrent episodes. People experience a recurrence within the first year about 50% of the time and within a lifetime up to 85% of the time

Mood Disorders

(also called affective disorders) are a group of psychiatric disorders including depression and bipolar disorder.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

is a disorder characterized by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are inconsistent with developmental level. The basic symptoms of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder are constant and severe irritability and anger in individuals between the ages of 6 and 18. Onset is before age 10. Temper tantrums with verbal or behavioural outbursts out of proportion to the situation occur at least three times a week.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

is a relatively new addition to the diagnostic system for psychiatry. It refers to a cluster of symptoms that occur in the last week before the onset of a menstrual period.

Dysthymic disorder

A chronic depressive syndrome that is usually present for most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years.

Substance-medication induced depressive disorder

is a depressive disorder, such as MDD, that is a result of prolonged use of or withdrawal from drugs and alcohol.

Depression related to another medical condition

may be caused by disorders that affect the body’s systems or from long-term illnesses that cause ongoing pain. The depressive symptoms are the same as the diagnostic criteria for the depressive disorders. It is important to review medications being used for the medical condition to rule out them being the causative agents

MDD with psychotic features

Indicates the presence of disorganized thinking, delusions (e.g., delusions of guilt or of being punished for sins, somatic delusions of horrible disease or body rotting, delusions of poverty or going bankrupt), or hallucinations (usually auditory, voices berating person for sins).

MDD with melancholic features

This outdated term indicates a severe form of endogenous depression (not attributable to environmental stressors) characterized by severe apathy, weight loss, profound guilt, symptoms that are worse in the morning, early morning awakening, and often suicidal ideation.

MDD with atypical features

Refers to dominant vegetative symptoms (e.g., overeating, oversleeping). Onset is younger, psychomotor activities are slow, and anxiety is often an accompanying problem, which may cause misdiagnosis

MDD with catatonic features

Marked by non-responsiveness, extreme psychomotor retardation (may seem paralyzed), withdrawal, and negativity.

MDD with postpartum onset

Indicates onset within 4 weeks after childbirth. It is common for psychotic features to accompany this depression. Severe ruminations or delusional thoughts about the infant signify increased risk of harm to the infant.

MDD with seasonal features

indicates that episodes mostly begin in fall or winter and remit in spring. These patients have reduced cerebral metabolic activity. SAD is characterized by anergia (lack of energy or passivity), hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleep), overeating, weight gain, and a craving for carbohydrates; it responds to light therapy.

Bipolar I

is marked by severe shifts in mood, energy, and inability to function. Periods of normal functioning may alternate with periods of illness (highs, lows, or a combination of both). Many individuals continue to experience chronic interpersonal or occupational difficulties even during remission.

Bipolar II

have experienced at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode.

Hypomanic Episode

refers to a lower-level and less dramatic mania. However, this level of mania still causes significant issues in relationships and occupational functioning

Manic Episode

feel euphoric and energized, they don’t sleep or eat, and they are in perpetual motion. They often take significant risks and engage in hazardous activities. Unfortunately, the person with thisdoes not recognize the behaviours as being problematic and will usually resist treatment

Cyclothymic Disorder

has symptoms of hypomania alternating with symptoms of mild to moderate depression for at least 2 years in adults and 1 year in children. sually begins in adolescence or early adulthood. There is a 15% to 50% risk that an individual with this disorder will subsequently develop bipolar I or bipolar II disorder.