Depressive and Bipolar Disorders

Chapter 7

Unipolar

Involves only depressive symptoms without cycling to mania.

Bipolar Disorder

Involves episodes of mood that alternate between depression and mania.

Depression

A mood disorder characterized by sadness, feelings of worthlessness, withdrawal, and changes in sleep and appetite.

Mania

An elevated mood that may include intense elation, irritability, hyperactivity, and distractibility.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A mood disorder defined by the presence of 5 out of 9 specific symptoms, lasting for at least 2 weeks.

Anhedonia

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, a key symptom of depression.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Chronic depression lasting for 2 years or more, with symptoms not absent for more than 2 months.

5-HTT gene

A serotonin transporter gene associated with depression.

HPA axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis involved in stress response and affected in depression.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A treatment for severe depression, especially when there is a risk of suicide.

Tricyclics

Older class of antidepressants not commonly used today due to side effects.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a common class of antidepressants.

Ketamine

A medication used to treat depression that acts as an anesthetic and increases glutamate levels.

Psychodynamic View

A perspective that interprets depression as a reaction to significant loss.

Learned Helplessness

A condition in which individuals believe they have no control over their life events, leading to depressive symptoms.

Cognitive Triad

A concept by Dr. Aaron Beck referring to negative thinking patterns about oneself, experiences, and the future.

Mixed Episode

A condition where symptoms of both mania and depression occur simultaneously.

DSM-5 Criteria for Mania

Includes elevated mood and increased activity or energy lasting at least one week.

Hypomania

A milder form of mania lasting at least four days, without psychotic symptoms.

Bipolar 1 Disorder

Characterized by at least one episode of mania or a mixed episode.

Bipolar 2 Disorder

Characterized by at least one major depressive episode and at least one episode of hypomania.

Cyclothymic Disorder

A milder, chronic form of bipolar disorder with numerous periods of hypomania and depressive symptoms.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation; inconsistent evidence of its role in mood disorders.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer effective in treating bipolar disorder but can cause toxicity.

Anticonvulsants

Medications like Depakote used for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.

Family-Focused Therapy (FFT)

A therapeutic approach that educates families about the disorder and enhances communication.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

A short-term psychodynamic therapy focusing on current relationships.

Cognitive Therapy

A method to identify and change negative thought patterns to improve mood.

Behavioral Activation

A therapeutic approach that encourages engagement in pleasurable activities as a means to alleviate depression.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

A condition involving significant depression and related symptoms occurring before menstruation.

Postpartum Depression

Major depressive episode occurring within four weeks after childbirth, potentially affecting parent-child relationships.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation and affected in mood disorders.

Glutamate

An amino acid neurotransmitter involved in mood processes, targeted by certain antidepressants.

Psychomotor Agitation

An increase in purposeless physical activity often seen in depressive episodes.

Psychomotor Retardation

A slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movements.

Grandiosity

Inflated self-esteem or exaggerated belief in one's abilities, often present in manic episodes.

Pressured Speech

A characteristic of mania where an individual talks rapidly and has difficulty slowing down.

Inflated Self-Esteem

A symptom of mania where individuals have an exaggerated belief in their abilities or importance.

Excessive Speed

A symptom seen in mania where activities and thoughts occur at an accelerated pace.

Negative Style of Thinking

A characteristic often found in individuals with depression, leading to a downward spiral of thoughts.

Sociocultural Factors

Social influences that can contribute to the development of mood disorders.

Chronic Depression

Long-lasting depression often characterized by a persistent low mood.

Lack of Rewards

A concept from the behavioral perspective that suggests depression is linked to decreased environmental rewards.

Symptoms Absence

In Persistent Depressive Disorder, symptoms must not be absent for more than 2 months.

Cardiac Dysrhythmias

An abnormal heart rhythm that can result from lithium toxicity.

Seizures

A potential serious side effect of lithium toxicity.

Antipsychotics

Medications that may be used in bipolar treatment; can have serious side effects.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A widely used therapeutic approach that combines cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Behavioral Activation

Therapeutic technique aimed at increasing engagement with positive activities.

Genetic Predisposition

An inherited risk factor that may contribute to mood disorders.

Social Skills Deficits

A lack of effective interaction skills which can exacerbate mood disorders.

Inflated Self-Esteem

An exaggerated self-view often observed in manic episodes.

Reduced Need for Sleep

A common symptom of mania where individuals feel less need for rest.

Mood Stabilizers

Medications designed to prevent mood swings in bipolar disorder.

Family Communication Enhancement

A therapeutic goal in family-focused therapy aimed at improving familial relationships.

Supportive Research

Research findings that bolster theoretical perspectives on depression.

Automatic Thoughts

Unconscious impulses or thoughts that can negatively affect mood and behavior.

Significant Distress

A marker of severe mood episodes that can lead to impairment in functioning.

DSM-5 Criteria for Depression

Standardized guidelines that define the symptoms and duration necessary to diagnose major depression.

Adverse Effects

Negative outcomes or side effects associated with medications or therapies.

Medication Non-Responder

A patient who does not improve despite undergoing standard medication treatments.

Psychotic Features

Symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions that can accompany severe mood episodes.

Controversial Treatment

A treatment approach that may be debated about its effectiveness or appropriateness.

Coping Mechanism

Strategies employed to manage and adapt to crises or stresses.

Advocating Pleasure

The principle of encouraging engagement in activities that lead to enjoyment and fulfillment.

Inflated Ego

A term that may describe an exaggerated sense of self-worth during manic phases.

Poor Problem Solving

An impaired ability to effectively address challenges, often seen in mood disorders.

Mood Re-regulation

The process or techniques aimed at managing and stabilizing mood swings.

Emotional Dysregulation

Challenges in managing emotional responses that can characterize mood disorders.

Psychiatric Evaluation

An assessment to diagnose and create a treatment plan for mental health conditions.

Therapeutic Relationship

The professional bond formed between therapist and client that aids in treatment.

Cognitive Distortions

Erroneous thought patterns that can lead to negative emotions and behaviors.

Frontal Cortex

The brain area involved in decision-making, emotions, and social behavior impacted in mood disorders.

Resilience Factors

Characteristics that help individuals withstand or recover from stress or trauma.