Mood Disorders: Overview and Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of mood disorders?

They often lead to improved emotional states.

They are mild and temporary emotional changes.

They are always associated with physical ailments.

They involve significant disturbances in mood. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT considered a cognitive disturbance in depression?

Inflated self-esteem (correct)

Indecisiveness

Thoughts of death

Self-criticism

What is considered a physiological disturbance associated with depression?

Decreased need for sleep

Increased goal-directed activity

Loss of appetite (correct)

Talkativeness

Which of the following symptoms is specific to a manic episode?

Decreased need for sleep Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes a mood disturbance typically seen in individuals with depression?

They often feel guilty and worthless. Signup and view all the answers

What is the median duration of a recurrent major depressive episode?

4 - 5 months Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia)?

Depression lasting two or more years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the specifiers for depressive disorders?

With seasonal affectivity Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of double depression?

Occurs when a major depressive episode and dysthymia occur simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

What is the median lifetime number of depressive episodes an individual may experience?

4 to 7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of major depressive disorder?

Presence of severe depression without mania Signup and view all the answers

How many symptoms must be present for at least two weeks to diagnose major depressive disorder?

Five symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disorders is characterized by both highs and lows in mood?

Bipolar disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is the average duration of the first depressive episode in major depressive disorder?

Two weeks to nine months Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT a part of the criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder?

Recurrence of manic episodes Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of onset typically associated with major depressive disorder?

Mid and late 20s Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of a hypomanic episode?

Not as severe as a manic episode Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes recurrent major depressive episodes from single episodes?

Occurrence of two or more episodes separated by euthymia Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Bipolar II disorder from Bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar II disorder has hypomanic episodes that are less severe than manic episodes. Signup and view all the answers

At what average age does Bipolar I disorder typically onset?

15 to 18 years Signup and view all the answers

What duration must symptoms persist for a diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder?

At least two years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT commonly associated with comorbid conditions in bipolar disorders?

Osteoporosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of depressive episodes in both bipolar disorders?

They can lead to a high risk of suicide. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the onset of bipolar disorder in comparison to depressive disorders?

It develops more suddenly. Signup and view all the answers

What type of episodes do individuals with cyclothymic disorder experience?

Hypomanic symptoms that do not last long enough to qualify as episodes. Signup and view all the answers

After what age is it considered rare to develop bipolar disorder?

40 years Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the seasonal pattern of depressive episodes in individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Episodes begin in late fall and end with the start of spring. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

Increased energy Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary criterion for diagnosing a manic episode in Bipolar I Disorder according to DSM-5?

Increased activity level and three or more additional symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is indicative of a manic episode in individuals with Bipolar I Disorder?

Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities with potential risks. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Chronic irritability and frequently disproportionate anger or temper tantrums. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Bipolar Disorders, what is rapid-cycling?

Moving quickly in and out of depressive and manic episodes at least four times a year. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ultra-ultra-rapid cycling in Bipolar Disorders?

Cycle lengths of less than 24 hours. Signup and view all the answers

Critics of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder argue against what aspect?

Including temper tantrums as a valid mental illness diagnosis. Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is often associated with increased activity during a manic episode?

Psychomotor agitation. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the 'rapid-cycling specifier' of bipolar disorder focus on?

Frequent transitions between depressive and manic episodes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mood Disorders: General Characteristics

Mood disorders are serious disturbances in mood, involving extreme sadness (depression) or elation/irritability (mania).
These disorders are often associated with other problems like panic attacks, anxiety, substance abuse, personality disorders.

Depression

Marked by great sadness, feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
Cognitive features include self-criticism, self-blame, indecisiveness, slowed thinking, and thoughts of death/suicide.
Physiological and behavioural changes include loss or excess of sleep, appetite, and loss of interest and pleasure in activities.

Mania

A period of elevated or irritable mood lasting at least one week or requiring hospitalization.
Individuals experience extreme pleasure in every activity.
Characterized by inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, flight of ideas, distractibility, and increased goal-directed activity.

Hypomania

Less severe than mania.
Does not significantly impair social or occupational functioning.

Depressive Disorders: Overview

Primarily characterized by low mood.
Include major depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia), and premenstrual dysmorphic disorder.

Characterized by both highs and lows in mood.
Include bipolar disorder (Bipolar I and Bipolar II) and cyclothymic disorder.

Major Depressive Disorder

Presence of severe depression without mania.
Impairs a person's interest in or ability to engage in normally enjoyable activities.
Can be recurrent or a single episode.
Recurrent episodes are separated by at least two months of euthymia.
Onset is typically in the mid to late 20s.
The most common psychiatric disorder worldwide.

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder

Must have at least five symptoms for two weeks, including depressed mood or loss of interest and pleasure.
Other symptoms include: loss of energy, negative cognitive appraisal, sleep difficulties, changes in appetite and weight, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Duration of Major Depressive Disorder

The duration of episodes is variable, ranging from two weeks to several years.
The average duration of the first episode is 2-9 months.
The median duration of recurrent episodes is 4-5 months.
The median lifetime number of depressive episodes is 4-7.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Relatively unchanged long-term depression.
Symptoms are similar to major depression but fewer in number.
Lasts for at least two years without symptom relief for more than two months.
Can persist for 20-30 years.
Individuals with Dysthymia may experience co-occurring major depressive episodes, referred to as "Double Depression."

Depressive Disorder Specifiers

Symptoms or characteristics that may or may not accompany a depressive disorder.
Eight specifiers: with psychotic features (mood-congruent or mood-incongruent), with anxious distress, with mixed features, with melancholic features, with atypical features, with catatonic features, with peripartum onset, and with seasonal pattern.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Depressive episodes occur during specific seasons(e.g., beginning in late fall and ending with the start of spring).
In bipolar disorder, depressions might occur in winter and manic episodes in summer.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Characterized by physical symptoms, severe mood swings, and anxiety.
Includes decreased interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, hypersomnia or insomnia, changes in appetite, and interference with work or relationships.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Common in children.
Symptoms include chronic irritability, anger, aggression, hyperarousal, and frequent temper tantrums that are grossly out of proportion to the situation.
Distinct from ADHD.

Arguments for DMDD

Proponents argue that it is necessary as many children are incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Arguments Against DMDD

Critics argue that temper tantrums should not be considered a mental illness and that labeling could have negative consequences.

Bipolar I Disorder

Major depressive episodes alternate with full manic episodes.
Diagnosis requires at least one week or hospitalization for elevated or irritable mood and increased activity.
Requires three additional symptoms, or four if the mood is only irritable: increased goal-directed activity at work, socially, or sexually, or psychomotor agitation, unusual talkativeness, rapid speech, flight of ideas, less than the usual amount of sleep needed, inflated self-esteem, distractibility, and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that are likely to have undesirable consequences.

Bipolar I Disorder Specifier: Rapid-Cycling

Moving quickly in and out of depressive and manic episodes, with at least four episodes within a year.
Includes rapid switching (direct transition from one mood state to another), ultra-rapid cycling (cycle lengths lasting days to weeks), and ultra-ultra-rapid cycling (cycle lengths less than 24 hours).

Bipolar II Disorder

Characterized by depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but the episodes are less severe than those in Bipolar I disorder.

Onset and Duration of Bipolar Disorders

The average age of onset is 15-18 years for Bipolar I Disorder and 19-22 years for Bipolar II Disorder.
Bipolar disorders develop more suddenly than depressive disorders.
Rare to develop Bipolar Disorder after the age of 40.
Individuals with bipolar disorder are at high risk of suicide.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Chronic condition characterized by cycling between hypomanic symptoms and depression.
Episodes are not intense or long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.
Persists for at least two years.

Comorbidity with Bipolar Disorders

Often occurs with other physical disorders such as thyroid disorders, migraines, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Individuals with bipolar disorder may self-medicate for these illnesses, which can trigger mania or depression.
Individuals with bipolar disorder also experience other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorders.

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Description

This quiz covers the general characteristics of mood disorders, focusing on depression, mania, and hypomania. Understand the cognitive and physiological features that differentiate these conditions. Explore how mood disorders relate to other psychological issues and their impact on behavior.