PSYC 211 - Mood Disorders (Ch. 10)

Anhedonia: In childhood psychopathology, anhedonia refers to a child's inability to experience pleasure or interest in activities that were previously enjoyable or engaging. It is often seen in mood disorders like depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and persistent depressive disorder (P-DD), where children may show a lack of interest in play, social interactions, or other previously enjoyable activities.

Bipolar Disorder (BP): Bipolar disorder in children is characterized by extreme mood swings, including manic episodes (high energy, impulsivity, irritability) and depressive episodes (low mood, loss of interest). These mood swings may affect a child's behavior, relationships, and academic performance. Bipolar disorder in children is often marked by rapid cycling between manic and depressive episodes.

Co-rumination: This refers to the excessive and repetitive discussion of personal problems or emotional experiences, often with a peer or close friend. In childhood psychopathology, co-rumination can be linked to increased emotional distress and is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.

Depressive Ruminative Style: This refers to a tendency to continuously focus on and dwell on negative thoughts or feelings, often about oneself, one's situation, or past events. Children with a depressive ruminative style are more likely to develop and maintain depression because they tend to spiral into negative thinking without seeking constructive solutions.

Depressogenic Cognitions: These are negative thought patterns or beliefs that contribute to the development and maintenance of depression. In childhood, depressogenic cognitions may involve feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or a belief that the child is unable to overcome challenges. These cognitive patterns are seen in both major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.

Diathesis-Stress Model of Depression: This model suggests that depression in children results from the interaction of pre-existing vulnerabilities (diathesis), such as genetic predispositions or early trauma, and stressful life events or circumstances. For example, a child with a family history of depression may develop depression after experiencing a stressful life event like the loss of a parent.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): DMDD is a mood disorder in children characterized by severe temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation. It involves a chronic, irritable mood and difficulty regulating emotions. DMDD is seen in children who have persistent irritability and frequent temper tantrums that disrupt daily functioning.

Double Depression: This term refers to a condition in which a child experiences both persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) and major depressive episodes. Children with double depression may have long-standing low mood (dysthymia) but experience more severe depressive episodes that add to their distress.

Dysphoria: Dysphoria in childhood refers to a state of unease or generalized unhappiness. It is often present in mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, where the child may show irritability, sadness, or feelings of dissatisfaction, which are not easily alleviated.

Dysthymia: Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder (P-DD), is a chronic form of depression that lasts for at least one year in children. It involves a low mood and other depressive symptoms, but the intensity may not be as severe as in major depressive disorder. Children with dysthymia may appear chronically sad or irritable.

Emotion Regulation: Emotion regulation refers to the ability to recognize, express, and manage emotions appropriately. In childhood psychopathology, difficulties in emotion regulation can contribute to emotional disorders like anxiety, depression, or disruptive behavior disorders. Children who struggle with emotion regulation may display impulsivity, mood swings, or intense emotional reactions.

Euphoria: Euphoria in children, especially in the context of mood disorders like bipolar disorder, refers to an intense feeling of happiness or excitement, often to the point of being out of proportion to the situation. It can manifest during manic or hypomanic episodes, and in childhood, it may lead to risky behaviors and impulsivity.

Hopelessness Theory: The hopelessness theory of depression suggests that a person’s belief that they are helpless in changing their negative circumstances contributes to the development of depression. In children, hopelessness can manifest as a belief that nothing will improve, leading to withdrawal, a lack of motivation, and other depressive symptoms.

Irritability: Irritability in children often accompanies mood disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. Children with irritability may experience frequent anger, frustration, or outbursts, and this mood dysregulation can affect their relationships and behavior.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): MDD in children involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and feelings of worthlessness. It significantly affects a child’s ability to function socially, academically, and emotionally.

Mania: Mania refers to a state of elevated mood, increased energy, and heightened activity levels. In childhood bipolar disorder, manic episodes may involve impulsive behavior, irritability, grandiosity, and difficulty staying focused. It can lead to risky behaviors and disruptions in daily