Unit 5.4 Selection categories of psychological disorders (part B)

Depressive Disorders

Can consist of mood changes, such as individuals feeling sadness or emptiness, or becoming easily frustrated

Major Depressive Disorders (MDD)

Characterized by periods diminished interest in most activities, significant sleep or appetite changes, and negative thought

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Characterized by symptoms that are less intense compared to those of major depression, but are longer lasting

Biological and Genetic Factors (for depression)

Include inherited vulnerabilities, such as having family members with a history of depression, and neurotransmitter imbalances, such as low levels of serotonin or noradrenaline

Social and cultural influences (for depression)

Cultural norms and expectations around emotions, or stigmas against mental health, can shape how depression can be experienced by an individual and what help they may get

Behavioral Factors (for depression)

Include poor diet, lack of exercise, inadequate coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, improper reinforcement patterns, learned helplessness, and substance abuse

Cognitive Influences (for depression)

Consists of persistent pessimistic thoughts, self-criticism, and a person’s attribution style

Bipolar Disorders

Involves shifts between two mood states, these mood swings often vary in intensity and duration from person to person

Manic Episodes

Are moments of high energy, impulsivity, and euphoria

Depressive Episodes

Are moments of low energy, sadness, and hopelessness

Bipolar cycling

When individuals experiencing alternating periods of mania and depression

Bipolar 1 Disorder

Characterized by at least one manic episode that lasts at least 7 days, followed by depressive episodes that typically last around two weeks

Bipolar 2 Disorder

Characterized by hypomanic episodes which are less severe than full mania but still noticeable shifts from one typical behavior

Biological Factors (for Bipolar)

often times bipolar disorders run in families, highlighting a possible heredity component

Genetic Factors (for Bipolar)

Imbalances in neurotransmitters can also be a factor, imbalances with dopamine, serotonin, or noradrenaline can contribute to mood swings and symptoms

Social and cultural Influences

Significant trauma, or major loss, which may trigger manic or depressive episodes, especially if someone is already genetically prone to bipolar disorder

Behavioral and Cognitive factors

Substance misuse, irregular sleep schedules, and inconsistent routines which may exacerbate mood instability

Anxiety Disorders

Consists of excessive fear and or worry. These feelings go beyond normal unease and are strong enough to impact an individuals ability to perform their daily activates

Specific Phobia

An intense, irrational fear or anxiety that is directed at a particular object or situation

Agoraphobia

involves fearing and avoiding places or situations that might cause panic and feelings of being trapped, helpless or embarrassed.

Panic Disorder

An intense, unexpected episode of fear accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms

Ataque de nervous

Experience among individuals of Caribbean or Iberian descent (screaming or aggressive behavior)

Culture-bound disorder

A psychological condition that is specific to a particular cultural group

Social Anxiety Disorders

Characterized by intense fear or anxiety about social situations where one might be judged, criticized, or watched by others

Taijin Kyofusho

A form of social anxiety that is mainly found in Japanese culture, here the fear focuses on offending or displeasing others rather than personal embarrassment

Generalized Anxiety Disorders

Involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about an individuals health, work, school, finances, or other aspects of their life

Behavioral Factors (for anxiety)

Learned associations, people can develop anxiety by repeatedly pairing a neutral stimulus with a frightening or traumatic experiences, which will end up reinforcing the anxious response

Cognitive Factors (for anxiety)

Maladaptive thinking or emotional responses Individuals with persistent, exaggerated worries can cause the individual to have heighten anxiety

Biological or genetic Sources (for anxiety)

Imbalances in hormones such as serotonin, noradrenalin, or GABA can lead to heightened anxiety responses