Mood Disorders and Treatment

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to mood disorders, their symptoms, treatment options, and relevant mnemonics.

Mood Disorders

Conditions characterized by disturbances in mood, which can be triggered by internal and external stimuli.

Mood Episodes

Distinct periods of time during which an abnormal mood is present.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A mood disorder defined by the presence of specific depressive episodes.

Anhedonia

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.

SIGECAPS

A mnemonic for symptoms of major depressive disorder: Sleep, Interest, Guilt, Energy, Concentration, Appetite, Psychomotor activity, Suicidal ideation.

SSRI

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, a class of medications often used to treat depression.

SNRI

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, used for depression.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, older medications for depression, used as a last resort due to dietary restrictions.

Atypical Depression

Depression characterized by exaggerated mood reactions and specific symptoms like sleep and appetite changes.

Catatonia

A psychomotor disturbance that may include immobility, purposeless motor activity, or bizarre postures.

Hypomania

A milder form of mania, lasting at least 4 days, without psychotic features.

DIG FAST

A mnemonic for symptoms of mania: Distractibility, Insomnia/impulsiveness, Grandiosity, Flight of ideas, Activity, Speech, Thoughtlessness.

Differential Diagnosis

The process of distinguishing one condition from others that present with similar symptoms.

Peripartum Onset

Depression that occurs during pregnancy and within 4 weeks after delivery.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, often in winter.