LECTURE NOTES - Chapter 8

Mood Disorders

Serious emotional disturbances that significantly affect social and occupational functioning.

Anhedonia

Inability to feel interest or pleasure, commonly associated with mood disorders.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A major mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness or loss of interest for two weeks or more.

Core Symptoms of MDD

Required symptoms for diagnosing MDD include a sad mood or loss of interest and at least four additional symptoms.

Gender Differences in MDD

MDD is twice as common in women than men, influenced by factors like rumination and hormonal differences.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Chronic depression lasting for most of the day more days than not for at least two years.

Bipolar I Disorder

A manic episode that may be preceded or followed by a major depressive episode.

Manic Episode

Characterized by an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and increased energy lasting at least one week.

Hypomania

A milder form of mania with elevated mood and increased activity lasting at least four days.

Double Depression

The occurrence of major depressive episodes in individuals already diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A mood disorder that occurs at certain times of the year, typically winter, leading to depressive symptoms.

Helplessness/Hopelessness Theories

Theories explaining depression related to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness based on past experiences.

Beck’s Negative Cognitive Triad

A framework describing the negative thought patterns of depressed individuals about themselves, their future, and their ability to cope.

Dysfunctional Attitudes

Negative beliefs that distort one’s interpretation of events, increasing vulnerability to depression.

Bipolar Disorder with Rapid Cycling

Characterized by four or more mood episodes occurring in a single year.

Interpersonal Models of Depression

Theories focusing on the individual's social networks and their ability to handle negative life events.

Biological Theories of Depression

Theories that consider genetic and neurobiological factors as contributions to mood disorders.

Attribution Theory

Explains how individuals attribute their successes or failures, impacting their mood and self-esteem.

Psychotherapy for Mood Disorders

Various therapeutic techniques including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness approaches.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A treatment for severe depression involving electrically induced seizures to alleviate symptoms.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

A non-invasive procedure using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain as a treatment for depression.