abnormal.lecture11.2025

Adult Psychopathology

• Dr. Simon B. Sherry, Professor, Dalhousie University, Psychologist, CRUX Psychology.

• Focus on compassion, scientific results, and online outreach through various platforms (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, etc).

Chapter 8: Mood

• Discusses mood disorders and their influence on individuals.

Lifespan Developmental Influences on Mood Disorders

• Different developmental stages influence mood disorders.

Prevalence of Unipolar Depression

• Statistics:

  • 7% of adults in the U.S. suffer from severe unipolar depression annually.

  • 5% report mild forms.

  • 17% experience unipolar depression in their lifetime.

  • Risk of experiencing unipolar depression has increased since 1915.

Bipolar Disorders

• Affect 1% - 2.6% of adults globally, with an overall lifetime prevalence of 4%.

• Generally present between ages 15 to 44, with episodes of mania and depression recurring.

Suicide Risk Factors

• 90% of suicides are linked to psychological disorders.

• 60% of suicides involve mood disorders.

• Common factors include hopelessness, alcohol abuse, and impulsivity.

Suicide Statistics

• 703,000 global deaths by suicide in 2019, more than deaths from war and homicide.

• 16 million yearly suicide attempts documented.

• 1.6% of those attempting suicide die within a year.

• Economic and cultural aspects influence suicide rates, notably in America where rates increased by 35% from 1999 to 2018.

Murder-Suicide

• 344 incidents in Canada with men committing 95% of these acts.

• Factors such as separation, family violence, and substance abuse play key roles.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Lifetime prevalence between 5.2% to 17.1% in the U.S.

• 80% of those with MDD will experience another episode, averaging 4 episodes lasting 3-5 months.

• About 60-80% of university students with diagnosable depression do not seek treatment.

Developmental Influences Across Ages

Children and Adolescents

• Mood disorders manifest similarly to adults but vary by age, e.g. facial expressions in younger children.

Older Adults

• 18%-20% of nursing home residents experience major depressive episodes.

Cultural Influences

• Moderate prevalence (8%) in Canada, higher in individualistic cultures.

  • Indigenous populations show differing rates.

Creativity and Mood Disorders

• A link exists between creativity and manic episodes.

• Notable historical figures (e.g., poets) display patterns of bipolar disorder and suicidal behaviors.

Biological Causes of Mood Disorders

Genetic Factors

• Mood disorders exhibit heritability; familial trends seen.

• Genetic influences differentiated by gender (40% for women).

Neurotransmitter Systems

• Low serotonin levels correlate with mood swings and depressive symptoms.

• Chronic stress can lower dopamine levels, leading to depressive behaviors.

Endocrine System

• Excess cortisol leads to depressive symptoms; dysfunction in HPA axis is noted.

Psychological Dimensions

Stressful Life Events

• 60%-80% of depressive cases relate to psychological experiences exacerbated by stress.

• Vulnerabilities include interpretations of stressful events.

Learned Helplessness

• Theory suggests people become depressed out of a perceived lack of control.

Cognitive Vulnerabilities

• Negative cognitions and pessimistic explanatory styles heighten depression risk.

Social and Cultural Dimensions

Marital Relations

• High discord correlates with increased depression.

Women and Depression

• 70% of diagnosed individuals are women, influenced by roles, stressors, and societal factors.

Social Support

• Lack of social support corresponds with higher depression rates and hinders recovery.

Integrative Theories

• Mood disorders arise from interactions of biological, psychological, and social factors.

  • Biological Vulnerability: Genetic predispositions.

  • Psychological Vulnerability: Negative cognitive styles.

  • Stressful Events: Trigger depressive episodes.