Mood Disorders Mr. Koch AP Psychology Forest Lake High School

Mood Disorders (aka Affective Disorders) Condition where a person experiences extreme moods inappropriate for or inconsistent with situations

Major Depression Disorder where person feels sad, overwhelmed, hopeless for weeks or months Typically lose interest in activities & relationships and take pleasure in nothing Despite best efforts, everything from conversation to bathing is an unbearable, exhausting effort Often exaggerated feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt – Can begin suddenly or gradually – Single episode or repeated “Common cold” of all disorders 9.5% of pop. in any given year 1 in 5 over lifetime Young adults & women most susceptible

Major Depression To be diagnosed, must experience 5 of following (usually for >2wks): – Persistent depressed mood most of the day – Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities – Significant weight loss or gain – Sleep changes – Speeding up or slowing down of physical & emotional reactions – Loss of energy – Feelings of worthlessness, guilt – Reduced concentration, inability to make meaningful decisions – Recurring thoughts of death/suicide (depression a factor in 40-70% of suicides)

Related Disorders Dysthymic Disorder – Sad mood lack of interest, loss of pleasure like Major Depression – but less intensely and for longer period of time – Must last at least 2 years to qualify Post-partum Depression – Major Depression that begins following birth of child Seasonal Affective Disorder – Symptoms of depression connected to lack of sunlight in winter months

Bipolar Disorder (formerly known as Manic Depressive Disorder) Alternating b/w extremes of mood depression & mania – Mania – extremely agitated, usually elated, emotional state Usually very optimistic, extremely energetic, certain of extraordinary powers/abilities, bursting w/ ideas May make impulsive/unwise decisions, irritated by those trying to reason or “slow them down”

Manic Episode

Variations of Disorder Bipolar I – mania & deep depression About 1% pop. – equal M/F Bipolar II – major depression & hypomania (less severe) Also 1% pop. Cyclothymic Disorder – Bipolar equivalent of dysthymia – intensity less severe

Major Depression Dysthymic Disorder Bipolar I Bipolar II Cyclothymic Disorder

Causes of Mood Disorders Appears to be a genetic link Clear connection with chemical imbalance Depression – low norepinephrine & serotonin Mania – high norepinephrine Social Cognitive explanations: – Self-defeating beliefs, learned helplessness – But some research suggests depressed people assess world more accurately (but not adaptively) – Attribution of blame – Internal vs. external? – Stable vs. unstable? – Global vs. specific?