Mood Disorders Emotional disturbances that disrupt physical, perceptual, social, and thought processes

Listen and think… Describe the symptoms of the mood disturbance portrayed in each song. Similarities? Differences? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_qMagfZtv8 Radio Head Just https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSZKtNPDZAE Macklemore Fallin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7MsnxnJRUw Pink Floyd Comfortably numb In what ways does each song try to capture the complexities of a mood disorder? What do you think each song is missing in its portrayal of mood disorders?

Key Questions How are mood disorders different than normal, everyday changes in a person’s mood?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in previous sources of pleasures Diagnosis requires five symptoms for more than two weeks Avg duration of depressive episodes: 5 months

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Symptoms: Hopelessness Social withdrawal Irritable Sluggish/lack energy Slowness of thought process Negative self-image Self-blame Indecisiveness Fatigue Difficulty sleeping Decreased sex drive Decreased appetite

Prevalence of Major Depression 75-95% who experience one episode will experience again Current prevalence: 6% of men; 9% of women Lifetime prevalence = 17% and increasing Dysthymic Disorder – “depression-lite”

Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression) Experience of one or more manic episodes usually accompanied by periods of depression Symptoms of Mania: Inflated self-esteem Elevated mood and energy Loss of sleep Hyperactivity High optimism Impulsivity Shift in topics / Rapid speak Impaired Judgment Rapid cycling Prevalence >1% Equal in males and females Normal onset age 20-29

What causes mood disorders? Biological Heredity can create predisposition Biochemical events: Low levels of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, and especially serotonin) Neurological factors leading to less brain activity in left frontal lobe when depressed

What causes mood disorders? Social-Cognitive Theory Negative thinking = depression Learned helplessness – Seligman (1974) passive “giving up” behavior caused by repeated exposure to unavoidable events negative set-backs attributed to personal flaws

Medications Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Bupropion (Wellbutrin) f

Other Treatments Psychotherapy Talk therapy Electroconvulsive therapy (shock therapy)

How Do We Help? In your groups, come up with FIVE things (actual quotes) to say to a friend who might be struggling with depression What to say….

How Do We Help? The American College Health Association advises the following: Do not try to “cheer up” the individual. Do not criticize or shame, as feelings of depression cannot be helped. Do not sympathize and claim that you feel the same way as he or she does. Try not to get angry Your primary objective is to let the person know you are concerned and willing to help.

Wrap-up: Explaining Mood Disorders Many behavior and cognitive changes accompany mood disorders Inactivity, motivation, negative expectations Stress often precedes depression With each new generation, depression is striking earlier and affecting more people How can we break the cycle of depression?