mood disorders

week 2

What is unipolar depression?

A depressive disorder without mania.

What is the global past-year prevalence of unipolar depression?

About 7%.

What is the lifetime prevalence of unipolar depression?

About 11%.

What percentage of psychiatric admissions are due to depression?

50%.

Who is more likely to be diagnosed with depression?

Females.

Which age group has the highest rates of depression?

Young adults (18–25).

What are the emotional symptoms of depression?

Sadness, anhedonia, anger, anxiety, crying spells.

What are the motivational symptoms of depression?

Low energy, loss of drive, social withdrawal, low sex drive.

What are the behavioural symptoms of depression?

Low activity, isolation, slower speech/movement.

What are the cognitive symptoms of depression?

Negative thoughts about self/future/world, low self-esteem, guilt, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, poor concentration/memory.

What are the physical symptoms of depression?

Headaches, appetite/sleep changes, low energy.

What are two DSM-5 subtypes of depression?

Seasonal and peripartum.

What is the genetic risk of depression for identical twins?

46%.

What is the genetic risk of depression for fraternal twins?

20%.

Which neurotransmitters are low in depression?

Serotonin and norepinephrine.

Which stress hormone is high in depression?

Cortisol.

Which hormone dysregulation causes seasonal depression?

Melatonin.

What does the behavioural view say causes depression?

Fewer rewards reduce constructive behaviour.

What is Beck’s cognitive triad?

Negative views of self, world, and future.

What are cognitive distortions in depression?

Minimization, magnification, generalization, rumination.

What is learned helplessness?

Belief that one has no control over outcomes (Seligman, 1975).

What is attribution-helplessness theory?

Depression from internal, stable, global attributions.

What sociocultural factors contribute to depression?

Interpersonal stress, discrimination, poor social support.

How does marital conflict affect depression?

Increases risk, but resolution improves recovery.

What is the effectiveness rate of SSRIs?

About 65%.

Why are SSRIs often preferred?

They have fewer side effects and are best for severe depression.

What other antidepressants are used besides SSRIs?

SNRIs, tricyclics, MAOIs.

What is ECT used for?

Severe, treatment-resistant depression.

How effective is ECT?

60–80% of patients improve.

What are the three steps of behavioural therapy for depression?

Schedule rewarding activities, reward non-depressed behaviour, improve social skills.

When is behavioural therapy most effective?

When 2–3 techniques are combined.

What are the four phases of CBT for depression?

Increase rewarding activities, challenge negative thoughts, identify distortions & reframe, change underlying attitudes.

How effective is CBT compared to medication?

As effective short term, more effective long term.

What does Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) treat?

Loss, role disputes, role transitions, interpersonal difficulties.

What is bipolar disorder?

A disorder with alternating episodes of depression and mania.

What is the past-year prevalence of bipolar disorder?

1–3%.

What is the lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder?

About 4%.

At what ages does bipolar disorder usually onset?

Between 15 and 44.

Which socioeconomic group is more affected by bipolar disorder?

Low SES groups.

What are emotional symptoms of mania?

Euphoria, irritability, inflated self-esteem.

What are motivational symptoms of mania?

Impulsivity, novelty seeking.

What are behavioural symptoms of mania?

Hyperactivity, flamboyant/risky behaviour.

What are cognitive symptoms of mania?

Racing thoughts, poor judgment, possible psychosis.

What are physical symptoms of mania?

High energy, little sleep, psychomotor agitation.

What are DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder?

Alternating or mixed episodes.

What is cyclothymic disorder?

Hypomanic + mild depressive episodes lasting 2+ years.

What is rapid cycling bipolar disorder?

4 or more episodes per year.

What is the genetic risk of bipolar disorder in identical twins?

40%.

What is the genetic risk of bipolar disorder in fraternal twins?

5–10%.

What neurotransmitter imbalance causes mania?

Low serotonin + high norepinephrine.

What neurotransmitter imbalance causes depression in bipolar disorder?

Low serotonin + low norepinephrine.

How does ion activity contribute to bipolar disorder?

Disrupted sodium/potassium flow affects neuron firing.

What is the effectiveness rate of lithium and mood stabilizers?

About 60% effective for mania.

How do mood stabilizers help?

They regulate sodium/potassium ion flow.

What is a limitation of mood stabilizers?

Less effective for depressive symptoms