Mood Disorders

Bipolar Disorder Alternates between the hopelessness of depression and the overexcited and unreasonably optimistic state of mania Used to be called manic- depressive disorder Many times will follow a cyclical pattern (week to week) Seems to be more common in those who rely on emotional expression & vivid imagery (artists, performers, poets, writers)

Mania Period of abnormally high emotion and activity

Bipolar Depression Extended period of feeling sad, listless, and drained of energy

Prevalence and Course of Bipolar Disorder Onset usually in young adulthood (early twenties) Mood changes more abrupt than in major depression No sex differences in rate of bipolar disorder Affects about 2 million Americans annually. Commonly recurs every few years A small percentage of people with the disorder display rapid cycling, experiencing four or more manic or depressive episodes every year. Can often be controlled by medication (lithium)

Cyclothymic Disorder Mood disorder characterized by moderate but frequent mood swings that are not severe enough to qualify as bipolar disorder

Explaining Bipolar Disorders

Biological Factors Hereditary may be a factor: –Risk increases if parent or sibling have disorder –Identical twins: 70% chance for bipolar if one has it (only 20% among fraternal twins) –Linkage Analysis – scientists looking at families with a history of depression or bipolar and searching for differences in their genes versus those without the disorder

Biologically Explaining Bipolar Disorder Lithium has been used to treat bipolar disorder and to prevent its recurrence. It appears to regulate the availability of the neurotransmitter glutamate.

Ups & Downs of Bipolar Disorder PET scans show that brain energy consumption rises and falls with the patient's emotional switches. Red areas are where the brain rapidly consumes glucose. Blue areas are low areas of activity.

Bipolar Disorder results from a combination of factors, which affect each other. Altering any one component can alter the others. Bio-Psycho-Social Model of Bipolar