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Psychological Disorders: Mood Disorders
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Two Broad Categories of Mood Disorders
Depressive Disorders Bipolar Disorders
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Depressive Disorders (1) Major Depressive Disorder (major depression)
The most common type of depressive disorder. Characterized by periods of downcast mood, feelings of worthlessness, and loss of interest in pleasurable activities. Is more common in women
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Depressive Disorders Continued
(2) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) A type of major depression that involves a recurring pattern of Winter depressions followed by elevations in mood in the Spring and Summer. More common in extreme northern climates
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Depressive Disorders Continued
(3) Dysthymic Disorder A relatively mild but chronic form of depression Can last for months or years More common in women
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Bipolar Disorders Characterized by alternating moods that shift between euphoric feelings and depression. There are two major types: (1) Bipolar disorder (2) Cyclothymic disorder
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Bipolar Disorder Formerly called manic depression
Involves mood swings that shift between elevated moods or “euphoria” “manic” episodes and depression. People with this disorder experience normal moods also. Examples of manic behavior: Extreme restlessness argumentativeness Excitability lavish spending Talkativeness reckless driving Taking on tasks beyond a person’s ability
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Bipolar Continued Mania eventually gives way to depression:
Feelings of hopelessness and despair Suicidal feelings About 1% of the adult population in the U.S. suffers from bipolar disorder.
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Cyclothymic Disorder A mood disorder characterized by milder mood swings than bipolar disorder. It is about as common as bipolar disorder.
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Causes of Mood Disorders
There are several possible causes which may occur separately or together to cause mood disorders:
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Biological Causes Brain chemicals: Neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine may be too low in depressed people. Genetic factors: There is a family connection Faulty brain structure and function: Research is being done in this area to see if the structures responsible for emotions, etc. are different in depressed people.
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Psychological Factors
Each approach to psychology has a theory of what causes depression. Psychodynamic Theory (Freud) says depression is the result of anger turned inward against the self. Learning Theory (Behaviorist) Depression is the result of changes in reinforcement levels. Cognitive Theory: Says the way people interpret events, and distorted thinking can cause depression. Learned Helplessness Theory: Says people become depressed when they feel powerless to control aspects of their lives
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