PSYC 300 - Mood Disorders

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to mood disorders, their diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and treatment options as discussed in the lecture.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A mood disorder characterized by a period of at least 2 weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest, along with 5 or more additional symptoms.

Cardinal Symptoms of MDD

The two primary symptoms necessary for diagnosing MDD: depressed mood and anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure).

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

A chronic mood disorder characterized by depressed mood more often than not for at least 2 years (1 year for children/adolescents).

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

A mood disorder with significant mood symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle, which present and remit with menstrual cycles.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

A disorder characterized by severe recurrent temper outbursts and a persistent negative mood between outbursts, typically diagnosed in children.

Bipolar I Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by the presence of at least one manic episode, which may or may not be followed by depressive episodes.

Bipolar II Disorder

A mood disorder containing at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never a full manic episode.

Manic Episode

A period of abnormally elevated mood and increased activity or energy lasting at least 1 week, with specific symptoms such as grandiosity and decreased need for sleep.

Hypomanic Episode

A milder form of a manic episode lasting at least 4 days, with observable changes in functioning but no severe impairment.

Cognitive Triad

Beck's theory that depression results from negative views of the self, the world, and the future.

Hopelessness Theory

A theory suggesting that depression arises from a belief that desirable outcomes will not occur and that one has no control over it.

Rumination

A maladaptive cognitive strategy characterized by repetitive, passive thinking about distressing situations, often implicated in the onset and maintenance of depression.

Serotonin Transporter Gene

A gene associated with mood disorders, particularly depression, where the shorter allele combined with stress predisposes individuals to depression.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A psychological treatment combining cognitive therapy and behavioral activation, targeting negative thought patterns and increasing engagement in positive activities.

Behavioral Activation

A therapeutic approach that aims to increase engagement in positively reinforcing activities to combat depression.