Chapter 7 Stuff - Unipolar and Bipolar Depression

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

lifetime prevalence of unipolar depression

20%

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

genetic factors of unipolar depression

some people inherit a predisposition to unipolar depression; identification of genetic abnormalities that may cause

biochemical factors of unipolar depression

low activity of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and glutamate; bodily hormones

biological treatments for unipolar depression

antidepressant drugs, tricyclics, SSRIs, Ketamine-based drugs

brain stimulation

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

Electroconvulsive Therapy

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 that stimulates the brain

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

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

psychodynamic model of unipolar depression

emphasis on dependence and loss

symbolic loss

the loss of a valued object that is unconsciously interpreted as the loss of a loved one

psychodynamic treatment for unipolar depression

help clients bring underlying issues to consciousness and work them through; free association

cognitive-behavioural model for unipolar depression

results from the combination of problematic behaviours and dysfunctional ways of thinking.

Fits into three groups: explanations that focus mostly on the behavioural realm, those that give primary attention to negative thinking, and ones that feature a complex interplay between cognitive and behavioural factors

cognitive triad

three forms of negative thinking that may lead people to feel depressed. Triad consists of a negative view of one’s experiences, oneself, and the future

learned helplessness

people become depressed when they think they no longer have control over the reinforcements in their lives and they themselves are responsible for this helpless state

cognitive-behavioural therapy for unipolar depression

seek to get clients to engage in and enjoy more activities, and guide clients to think in more adaptive, less negative ways

behavioural 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

sociocultural model of unipolar depression

strongly influenced by social context that surrounds people, and is often triggered by outside stressors

bipolar I disorder

bipolar disorder marked by full manic and major depressive episodes

bipolar II disorder

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

mania

a mental and behavioral disorder that involves a period of abnormally elevated, extreme changes in your mood or emotions, energy level or activity level.

cyclothymic disorder

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

hypomania

a milder version of mania that typically lasts for a shorter period

biological reasons for bipolar disorder

abnormal activity of neurotransmitters, ion activity, brain structure, and genetic factors

treatment for bipolar disorders

mood-stabilizing drugs, adjunctive psychotherapy