Chapter 7: Depressive and Bipolar Disorders

Depression

a low, sad state marked by significant levels of sadness, lack of energy, low self-worth, guilt, or related symptoms

Mania

a state or episode of euphoria frenzied activity in which people may have an exaggerated belief that the world is theirs for the taking

Depressive disorders

the group of disorders marked by unipolar depression

bipolar disorder

a disorder marked by alternating or intermixed periods of mania and depression

major depressive disorder

a severe pattern of depression that is disabling and not caused by such factors as drugs or a general medical condition

persistent depressive disorder

a chronic form of unipolar depression marked by ongoing and repeated symptoms of either major or mild depression

premenstrual dysphoric disorder

a disorder marked by repeated episodes of significant depression and related symptoms during the week before menstruation

norepinephrine

a neurotransmitter whose abnormal activity is linked to depression, and panic disorder

serotonin

a neurotransmitter whose abnormal activity is linked to depression, obsessive-compulsion disorder, and eating disorders

glutamate

a neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating neurons and promoting connectivity and communication among neurons

MAO inhibitor

an antidepressant drug that prevents the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase

Tricyclic

an antidepressant drug such as imipramine that has three rings in its molecular structure

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

a group of second-generation antidepressant drugs that increase serotonin activity specifically without affecting other neurotransmitters

ketamine

an anesthetic drug that is also used as an antidepressant, bringing rapid relief to many people with depression

brain stimulation

biological treatments that directly or indirectly stimulates certain areas of the brain

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A treatment for depression in which electrodes attached to a patient’s head send an electrical current through the brain, causing a convulsion

vagus nerve stimulation

a treatment for depression in which an implanted pulse generator sends regular electrical signals to a person’s vagus nerve; the nerve then stimulates the brain

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

A treatment in which an electromagnetic coil, which is placed on or above a patient’s head, sends a current into the individual’s brain

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

a treatment for depression in which a pacemaker powers electrodes that have been implanted in the subgenual cingulate, thus stimulating that brain area

symbolic loss

according to Freudian theory, the loss of a valued object (for example, a loss of employment) that is unconsciously interpreted as the loss of a loved one. Also called imagined loss

Cognitive Triad

The three forms of negative thinking that Aaron Beck theorizes lead people to feel depressed. The triad consists of a negative view of one’s experiences, oneself, and the future

Learned Helplessness

the perception based on past experiences that one has no control over the reinforcements in one’s life

behavioral activation

a therapy for depression in which the therapist works systematically to increase the number of constructive and pleasurable activities and events in a client’s life

cognitive therapy

a therapy developed by Aaron Beck that helps people identify and change the maladaptive assumptions and ways of thinking that help cause their psychological disorders

couple therapy

a therapy format in which the therapist works with two people who share a long-term relationship

bipolar I disorder

a type of bipolar disorder marked by full manic and major depressive episodes

bipolar II disorder

a type of bipolar disorder marked by mildly manic (hypomanic) episodes and major depressive episodes

cyclothymic disorder

a disorder marked by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive symptoms

lithium

a metallic element that occurs in nature as a mineral salt and is effective treatments for bipolar disorders

mood-stabilizing drugs

psychotropic drugs that help stabilize the moods of people suffering from bipolar disorder. Also known as anti bipolar drugs