Mood Disorders: Symptoms, Types, and Biological Factors

What is the mood continuum in mood disorders?

It ranges from likely manic episodes with expansive mood to likely major depressive episodes with severe sadness.

What are typical symptoms of a manic episode?

Expansive mood, grandiosity, low need for sleep, impulsivity, and significant interference with functioning.

What defines major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Presence of 5 or more symptoms, including depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure, causing significant distress or impairment.

What is anhedonia?

Markedly diminished pleasure or interest in almost all activities, a key symptom of major depressive disorder.

What are some associated disorders with major depressive disorder?

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

What characterizes Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)?

Typically less severe than major depression but lasts longer than depressive episodes.

What is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)?

A disorder in children aged 6-18 characterized by severe temper outbursts and persistent irritable mood.

What is the prevalence of major depressive disorder?

It is often referred to as the 'common cold' of mental illnesses, most common in young adults.

What gender differences exist in mood disorders?

Women are almost twice as likely to develop mood disorders, reporting more sadness, while men report more fatigue.

What are the symptoms of mania?

Persistently elevated mood, grandiosity, racing thoughts, rapid speech, and impulsivity.

What distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II disorder?

Bipolar I includes severely functionally impairing manic episodes, while Bipolar II includes hypomanic episodes that are not functionally impairing.

What is Cyclothymic Disorder?

A mild but persistent disorder involving rapid cycling between hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive episodes for at least 2 years.

What is the mean age of onset for Bipolar I disorder?

The mean age of onset is 18 years.

What biological theories explain mood disorders?

Genetic heritability, biochemical imbalances involving monoamines, and dysfunction in brain structures and circuits.

What neurotransmitters are implicated in mood disorders?

Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are key monoamines involved in mood regulation.

What is the role of the limbic system in mood disorders?

It processes sleep, appetite, and emotions; dysfunction here may contribute to mood disorders.

How does the prefrontal cortex relate to mood disorders?

It is involved in problem-solving and attention; decreased activity may be linked to mood disorders.

What is the significance of the hippocampus in mood disorders?

It is involved in memory processing and fear-related learning; stress can decrease its volume, associated with depression symptoms.

What are the characteristics of hypomania?

Similar symptoms to mania but not nearly as functionally impairing.

What is the prevalence of any bipolar disorder worldwide?

1.9% prevalence globally and 4.4% in the US.

What is the risk of misdiagnosis in bipolar disorder?

12% of patients are first misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).

What is the impact of excessive reuptake on mood disorders?

It can lead to less monoamine activity in the brain, contributing to depression symptoms.

What is the effect of monoamine oxidase on mood disorders?

An overactive monoamine oxidase enzyme can break down monoamines too quickly, leading to mood disorders.

What is the relationship between genetics and mood disorders?

Family and twin studies show a genetic component, with higher rates of mood disorders among first-degree relatives.

What is the significance of the anterior cingulate cortex in mood disorders?

It is involved in stress response and sociality; decreased connectivity here may reduce pleasure and coping abilities.

What is the role of the HPA axis in depression?

It leads to increased cortisol levels.

What are the symptoms associated with an overactive striatum?

Reward hypersensitivity.

What is the most common biological treatment for depression?

Antidepressants.

What do monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) do?

They keep monoamine neurotransmitters in the synapse longer by inhibiting monoamine oxidase.

What are some side effects of MAOIs?

Dizziness, digestive issues, insomnia, weight gain, and difficulty controlling blood pressure.

What dietary restrictions are associated with MAOIs?

Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and tap beers.

What are tricyclic antidepressants primarily used for?

They inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.

What percentage of people find relief from tricyclic antidepressants?

65%.

What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) designed to do?

Prevent too much serotonin from being removed too quickly from the synapse.

What is a common side effect of SSRIs?

Sexual dysfunction.

What is the role of ketamine in treating depression?

It is used for treatment-resistant depression, often combined with other medications.

What is lithium used for?

It is effective for manic episodes and reduces suicide risk.

What are some side effects of lithium?

Kidney and thyroid damage if dosage is too high.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

A treatment that uses electricity to induce seizures while the patient is anesthetized.

What is the typical duration of an ECT seizure?

About 25 seconds.

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

A painless electromagnetic pulse that activates or deactivates nerve cells in the PFC.

What is the purpose of vagus nerve stimulation?

To increase activity in the amygdala and hypothalamus, reducing symptoms in treatment-resistant patients.

What is the cognitive triad in depression?

Negative views of self, world, and future.

What is learned helplessness?

The feeling of being powerless to escape unpleasant stimuli.

What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)?

A therapy that links thoughts and emotions to improve mood disorders.

What are interpersonal theories in the context of mood disorders?

They link relational stresses to symptoms of depression.

What is the impact of cultural norms on depression?

Cultural emphasis on happiness can lead to lower moods in those with depression.

What is the significance of social support in depression?

Fewer social supports are associated with increased symptoms of depression.

How do gender differences manifest in depression diagnoses?

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and face barriers to treatment.

What is interpersonal psychotherapy?

A therapy that focuses on resolving relationship stressors to address disorders.

What is family and social rhythm therapy?

A treatment that addresses family relationships and daily rhythms to improve mood disorders.

What is the role of stress in mood disorders?

Up to 80% of people with depressive disorders report onset after a specific life event.

What is the goal of behavioral therapy for mood disorders?

To change maladaptive behavior patterns through reinforcement.

What is the relationship between stress and bipolar disorder?

Stressful events can trigger new episodes of mania or hypomania.

What percentage of depressed patients benefit from interpersonal psychotherapy?

63%.