Mood Disorders

What is it?   Depression happens to about 6 million Americans a year!  It is a prolonged and disturbed emotional state that affects almost all of a persons thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Major depression   It is marked by at least two weeks of continually being in a bad mood,  You must have four of these problems: eating, sleeping, making decisions, lacking energy, thinking about suicide and feeling worthless.  Ratio> women to men> 2: 1  eH5Q&feature=related eH5Q&feature=related

Bipolar1 Disorder   Fluctuations between depression and mania  Manic episode: person is very cheerful, shopping sprees, great self esteem and little need for sleep.  Depression: Is at angry and family and friends for no reason, won’t talk to people, and keeping themselves secluded  Trouble keeping relationships  Treatment: Lithium

Dysthymic Disorder   Less serious than major depression  Chronically but not continuously depressed for long periods.  Experiences: Poor appetite, insomnia, low self esteem, poor concentration, feeling hopeless, fatigue  Affects 6% of the population  Label: “Always feeling this way”  Treatment: SSRI’s and Psychotherapy

Causes  - Biological Factors  Genetic  Neurological Factors  Brain

Causes  Pyschosocial Factors  Stressful Life Events  Negative Cognitive Style  Personality Factors

Electro conclusive Therapy  “electroshock”  Placing electrodes on the skull and administering an electric current  The Last Resort  Side effect: Varying degrees of memory loss  Why is it used?  Pg 535 for chart