Transcript Mood Disorders and Suicide

Mood Disorders
and Suicide
Abnormal Psychology
Chapter 7
Mood Disorders
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Understanding depression as opposed
to the experience of sadness
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Intensity and duration
Effects on functioning
Mood Disorders
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Unipolar Mood Disorders:
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Major Depression
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Dysthymia
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Mania
Bipolar Disorder
Major Depression
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Cognitive symptoms
Physical symptoms- psychomotor
retardation; sleep changes, appetite
changes
Loss of interest/inability to experience
pleasure
Mania
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Elation, euphoria, hyperactivity, agitation
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Grandiosity
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Rapid speech, incoherence: “flight of ideas”
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Risky behavior
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Hypomanic episode- less severe/risky than mania
Major Depression
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Initial diagnosis- single episode
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Rare; typically recurs- 85% later
experience a second episode
Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent
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Median- four episodes over the lifespan
Each episode- average of 4-5 months
Dysthymic Disorder
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Depressive symptoms more mild than
Major Depression
2 years or longer, without being
symptom free for longer than 2 months
“Double Depression”
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Major Depressive episodes occurring
with Dysthymic Disorder
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High rate of relapse/recurrence
Onset of Major Depression
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Increased risk during adolescence
Trend: Depression is occurring at earlier
ages, worldwide
Understanding Grief
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Following the loss of a loved one,
symptoms of depression are common
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Concerning symptoms:
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Prolonged depression
Psychotic features
Suicidal ideation
Bipolar Disorder
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Manic episodes alternate with Major
Depressive episodes
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Bipolar I: entails full manic episodes
Bipolar II: entails hypomanic episodes (less
severe)
Bipolar Disorder
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Average age of onset for Bipolar I- 18
years
Average age of onset for Bipolar II: 1922
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Can begin in childhood
Relatively rare to develop after 40
Specifiers:
Additional Defining Criteria
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Catatonic features
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Psychotic features
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Postpartum onset
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Seasonal patterns: (SAD)
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Rapid cycling (noted in 20-40% cases of bipolar
disorder)
Mood Disorders in Children
and Adolescents
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Manic states may be classified by more
irritability/agitation vs. adults
Children, particularly boys: depression
may be accompanied by aggression and
conduct problems
Major Depression in Elderly
Populations
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Increase in physical problems
accompanied by a reduction in social
support
Suicide rates are highest in elderly
groups
Mood Disorders:
Causes
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Biological: twin/family studies- strongly
heritable
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Neurotransmitters: lower levels of serotonin, other
neurotransmitters vary more widely as a result
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Psychological: diathesis-stress model; trauma
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Social: marital relationships, work difficulties,
social support
Learned Helplessness
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Depressive Attribution Style
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Internal: attributes negative events to personal
shortcomings
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Stable: other bad things will still be my fault
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Global: negativity across a range of issues
Mood Disorders: Treatment
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Antidepressants: Tricyclic, MAO
inhibitors,Serotonin-specific reuptake
inhibitors
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Research: anti-depressants and suicide
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Lithium: treatment of Bipolar Disorder
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Toxicity
50% of individuals with Bipolar Disorder
respond well
ECT
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Electroconvulsive Therapy
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Controversial approach- used much less
frequently
Psychological Treatment
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Combined Approaches
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Treatment of Bipolar Disorder:
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Regulation of sleep cycles and daily
routines, nutritional regimens
Treating the family:
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Family involvement lessens the relapse rate