Chapter 7 mood disorders

Mood Disorders

Formerly known as affective disorders; defined by extremes of emotion (affect)

Depression

Extremely sad mood, dejection, self-blame, and loss of pleasure (anhedonia)

Mania

Intense and unrealistic excitement, euphoria, grandiosity, impulsiveness

Unipolar Depressive Disorders

Mood disorders involving only depressive episodes

Bipolar Depressive Disorders

Mood disorders involving both manic and depressive episodes

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A major depressive episode without manic, hypomanic, or mixed episodes

Relapse

Return of depressive symptoms shortly after recovery

Recurrence

Onset of a new depressive episode after a period of remission

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Mild to moderate chronic depression lasting at least 2 years; formerly dysthymia

Bereavement-Triggered Depression

Depression following the loss of a loved one; DSM-5 removed exclusion for grief

Postpartum Depression

Major depression that occurs after childbirth, often following "postpartum blues"

Biological Causal Factors of depression

Genetic, hormonal, neurotransmitter, circadian rhythm, and brain structure abnormalities

Psychological Causal Factors of depression

Stressful life events, neuroticism, negative thinking, early adversity

Beck’s Cognitive Model

Depression results from negative automatic thoughts activated by dysfunctional assumptions

Negative Cognitive Triad

Negative views about the self, the world, and the future

Reformulated Helplessness Theory

Pessimistic attributional style acts as a diathesis for depression

Hopelessness Theory

Pessimistic attributional style combined with hopelessness increases depression risk

Rumination

Repetitive focus on symptoms of distress and their possible causes and consequences

Interpersonal Effects of Depression

Poor social support and skills worsen depression and increase risk of rejection

Bipolar Disorders

Mood disorders involving manic or hypomanic episodes, with or without depression

Cyclothymic Disorder

Milder mood swings lasting at least 2 years, without severe bipolar symptoms

Bipolar I Disorder

Includes at least one full manic or mixed episode

Bipolar II Disorder

Includes hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes, but no full manic episodes

Causal Factors in Bipolar Disorder

Mostly biological, including genetics, neurotransmitter imbalance, circadian disruption

Sociocultural Factors

Cultural and demographic influences on mood disorder symptoms and prevalence

Cross-Cultural Differences

Western cultures show more psychological symptoms; non-Western cultures more physical

Pharmacotherapy

Use of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics to treat mood disorders

Lithium

Common mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder

Alternative Biological Treatments

Electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation, bright light therapy

Psychotherapy

CBT, behavioral activation, interpersonal therapy, family and marital therapy used to treat mood disorders

Suicide Risk

Present in all mood disorders; suicide is the 15th leading cause of death worldwide

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

Intentional self-harm without intent to die, such as cutting or burning

Suicide Attempts vs Completions

Women attempt more, men complete more suicides

Psychological Disorders and Suicide

PTSD, bipolar, conduct disorder, intermittent explosive disorder increase suicide risk

Psychosocial Factors in Suicide

Impulsivity, aggression, pessimism, family instability, hopelessness

Biological Factors in Suicide

Genetic risk and low serotonergic activity associated with suicide

Sociocultural Factors in Suicide

Ethnic, cultural, and religious variations in suicide prevalence

Joiner’s Interpersonal-Psychological Model

Suicidal desire arises from perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness; lethal action requires acquired capability

Suicide Prevention

Treatment of underlying mental disorders to reduce suicide risk

Crisis Intervention

Immediate supportive contact, correcting impaired judgment, and instilling hope

CBT for Suicide Prevention

Cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors