Depressive and Bipolar Disorders Vocabulary

A set of key vocabulary terms and definitions covering Chapter 7 on 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 or 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.

Unipolar Depression

Depression without a history of mania.

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-compulsive 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 stimulate 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.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

A treatment for unipolar depression that is based on the belief that clarifying and changing one's interpersonal problems helps lead to recovery.

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 an effective treatment for bipolar disorders.

Mood-Stabilizing Drugs

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