Psychopathology: Depression and Mood Disorders

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering the diagnosis, aetiology, and treatment of Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder, along with self-harm and suicide metrics.

Major Depressive Episode

A diagnostic criteria in DSM-5 requiring the presence of 5 or more symptoms during a 2-week period.

Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent

A classification of depressive disorder characterized by the experience of multiple depressive episodes over time.

Age of Onset for MDD

The typical age at which major depression begins, which has decreased to approximately $27$ years.

Tricyclics

One of the drug classes developed to alleviate symptoms of depression by targeting neurotransmitter abnormalities.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

A type of antidepressant medication that addresses neurochemical factors such as norepinephrine and dopamine.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antidepressant drugs designed to specifically target and regulate serotonin levels.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex

A brain region associated with emotional regulation that displays abnormalities in depression cases.

Introjection

A psychodynamic concept involving regression to the oral stage in response to the loss (real or symbolic) of a loved one.

Affectionless Control

A specific parenting style identified in psychodynamic theories as a potential contributor to depression.

Behavioural Vacuum

A term in behavioral theory describing a diminished repertoire of behavior due to a lack of reward and reciprocal interaction.

Beck’s Cognitive Theory

A theory suggesting that depression is maintained by negative schemas, a negative triad, and pessimistic thinking.

Learned Helplessness Theory

A theory developed by Seligman ($1975$) based on the experience of unavoidable negative life events which leads to a state of passivity.

Bipolar I Disorder

A diagnosis involving full manic and depressive episodes occurring in alternating sequences.

Bipolar II Disorder

A disorder characterized by major depressive episodes that alternate with periods of hypomania rather than full mania.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Considered a milder form of Bipolar Disorder involving less severe mood swings.

Lithium Carbonate

The traditional biological treatment for Bipolar Disorder that alleviates both depression and mania, though it carries a risk of toxicity.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A biological treatment for treatment-resistant severe depression that offers short-term relief but may result in lasting memory loss.

Behavioural Activation Therapy (BAT)

A psychological treatment that attempts to increase a patient's access to pleasant events and rewards through scheduling and monitoring.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

A treatment that combines elements of CBT with mindfulness stress reduction to help patients disengage from dysfunctional cognitive routines.

Non-suicidal Self Injury

A new DSM-5 category defining direct and deliberate self-harm (such as cutting or burning) in the absence of suicidal intent.

Hopelessness

Identified as the single biggest predictor of suicide among individuals with diagnosable psychiatric disorders.