Understanding Mood Disorders: Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Mood disorders manifest primarily as Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder. Depression affects 5.8% of men and 9.5% of women globally, leading to significant symptoms such as lethargy, feelings of worthlessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. Understanding the causes, including behavioral and cognitive changes, is crucial for treatment. Bipolar Disorder alternates between depressive and manic states, often seen in creative individuals. Recognizing these conditions can aid in providing effective support and treatment strategies.
Understanding Mood Disorders: Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Mood Disorders Emotional extremes of mood disorders come in two principal forms. • Major depressive disorder • Bipolar disorder
Major Depressive Disorder Depression is the “common cold” of psychological disorders. In a year, 5.8% of men and 9.5% of women report depression worldwide (WHO, 2002). Blue mood Major Depressive Disorder Gasping for air after a hard run Chronic shortness of breath
Major Depressive Disorder Major depressive disorder occurs when signs of depression last two weeks or more and are not caused by drugs or medical conditions. Signs include: • Lethargy and fatigue • Feelings of worthlessness • Loss of interest in family & friends • Loss of interest in activities
Explaining Mood Disorders Since depression is so prevalent worldwide, investigators want to develop a theory of depression that will suggest ways to treat it. Lewinsohn et al., (1985, 1998) note that a theory of depression should explain the following: • Behavioral and cognitive changes • Common causes of depression
Theory of Depression • Gender differences
Theory of Depression • Depressive episodes self-terminate. • Stressful events often precede depression. • Depression is increasing, especially in the teens. Desiree Navarro/ Getty Images Post-partum depression
Suicide Statistics • National differences • Racial differences • Gender differences • Age differences • Other differences Suicide The most severe form of behavioral response to depression is suicide. Each year some 1 million people commit suicide worldwide.
Biological Perspective Genetic Influences: Mood disorders run in families. The rate of depression is higher in identical (50%) than fraternal twins (20%). Linkage analysis and association studies link possible genes and dispositions for depression. Jerry Irwin Photography
The Depressed Brain PET scans show that brain energy consumption rises and falls with manic and depressive episodes. Courtesy of Lewis Baxter an Michael E. Phelps, UCLA School of Medicine
Social-Cognitive Perspective The social-cognitive perspective suggests that depression arises partly from self-defeating beliefs and negative explanatory styles.
Negative Thoughts and Moods Explanatory style plays a major role in becoming depressed.
Depression Cycle • Negative stressful events. • Pessimistic explanatory style. • Hopeless depressed state. • These hamper the way the individual thinks and acts, fueling personal rejection.
Bipolar Disorder Formerly called manic-depressive disorder. An alternation between depression and mania signals bipolar disorder. Depressive Symptoms Manic Symptoms Gloomy Elation Withdrawn Euphoria Inability to make decisions Desire for action Tired Hyperactive Slowness of thought Multiple ideas
Whitman Woolf Clemens Hemingway Bipolar Disorder Many great writers, poets, and composers suffered from bipolar disorder. During their manic phase creativity surged, but not during their depressed phase. Earl Theissen/ Hulton Getty Pictures Library George C. Beresford/ Hulton Getty Pictures Library The Granger Collection Bettmann/ Corbis
