Depressive Disorders and Bipolar Disorders

These flashcards cover key concepts related to depressive and bipolar disorders as outlined in the psychology lecture.

Depression

A response to past and current stress characterized by feelings of hopelessness and lethargy lasting several weeks or months.

Major depressive disorder

A mental health condition characterized by depressed mood and reduced interest, requiring at least five symptoms over a two-week period.

Bipolar disorder

A mental health condition where a person alternates between the hopelessness of depression and the overexcited state of mania.

Symptoms of major depressive disorder

Includes depressed mood, reduced interest, appetite and weight changes, sleep challenges, lethargy, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Seasonal pattern

Refers to major depressive disorder that may occur at certain times of the year.

Heritability of depression

The genetic component or risk factors for developing depression that can be inherited.

Social-cognitive perspective

Focuses on how negative thoughts and low self-esteem contribute to the development and maintenance of depression.

Rumination

The process of continuously thinking about the same thoughts, often associated with overthinking and worsening depressive symptoms.

Self-defeating beliefs

Negative beliefs about oneself that can contribute to or exacerbate depression.

Learned helplessness

A condition in which a person feels unable to control their situation, leading to passive behavior during stressful events.