Psychology Chapter: Persistent Depressive Disorder

A disorder characterized by episodes of severe sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

The tendency for MDD episodes to reoccur after an initial episode. This can happen within a year or even decades later.

A type of MDD with a persistent and chronic course, lasting for at least two years. Symptoms are less severe than MDD but are consistently present.

A period of time when depressive symptoms are no longer present. This can be 'full' or 'partial,' meaning some symptoms may still be present.

A type of MDD characterized by a prolonged duration of depressive symptoms, typically lasting several months.

The average number of depressive episodes experienced by someone with MDD is four to seven. This can vary greatly, with some individuals experiencing more frequent episodes.

MDD is a chronic condition, meaning it may wax and wane over time, but rarely disappears entirely. Symptoms are often episodic, but they can persist for many years.

The time it takes for a depressive episode to end and symptoms to improve. This can vary widely, but is usually a few months.

Criteria for a major depressive episode have never been met during the past two years.

Symptoms are not caused by substance abuse or another medical condition.

The symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in daily life.

The individual has never experienced a manic or hypomanic episode.

A panic attack that occurs unexpectedly, without a known trigger or warning. The individual doesn't know when or where it might happen.

A panic attack that is triggered by a specific situation or cue that the individual knows causes panic, such as fear of heights or public speaking.

A mental health disorder characterized by frequent and unexpected panic attacks, along with persistent worry about future attacks and significant changes in behavior to avoid them.

A sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort, accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea.

A panic attack that is triggered by a known fear or situation, like a phobia. For example, someone with a fear of heights may experience a panic attack when looking over a cliff.

A persistent and intense grief response that occurs after the loss of a loved one, interfering with daily functioning and causing significant distress.

The period when experiencing severe grief without seeking treatment significantly reduces the possibility of recovery, increasing suicidal thoughts focused on joining the deceased.

The inability to imagine a future without the deceased, leading to difficulties in planning or envisioning the future.

Challenges in regulating emotions become pronounced, leading to rigidity and inflexibility in emotional responses due to the deeply felt loss.

Prior history of depressive episodes increases the likelihood of developing prolonged grief disorder after a major loss.

The sudden loss of a parent can significantly increase the risk of prolonged depression in children and young adults, highlighting the need for early intervention.

Dopamine activity, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation, is significantly elevated in prolonged grief, indicating a persistent yearning for the deceased. This contrasts with depression where dopamine activity is reduced.

Brain imaging reveals that areas associated with social attachment, relationships, and emotional processing are activated during grief, demonstrating the intense emotional and social nature of the grieving process.

A long-term, low-grade depression characterized by persistent sadness, low energy, and feelings of hopelessness.

A severe form of depression with intense symptoms, such as loss of interest in activities, significant weight changes, and suicidal thoughts.

A mental health condition characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression.

A combination of dysthymia and major depressive episodes, leading to even more severe and complex symptoms.

A negative self-image, characterized by self-doubt and a lack of confidence in one's abilities.

The inability to make decisions, demonstrating a lack of confidence in one's judgment and ability to choose.

The feeling of having no motivation or energy, making it difficult to engage in everyday activities.

A severe form of depression that involves thoughts of suicide and self-harm.

An intense emotional alarm accompanied by a surge of energy in the autonomic nervous system. It can involve physical sensations like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and trembling.

The brain's central processing system for emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. It includes structures like the amygdala and hippocampus.

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in calming and regulating anxiety. Low levels of GABA are associated with increased anxiety.

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in stress and anxiety responses. It is also involved in activating the fight-or-flight response.

The body's stress response system. It involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

A variation in a single DNA nucleotide, which can affect the expression of a gene. Some SNPs are associated with increased risk for panic disorder.

The part of the brain stem that plays a role in regulating arousal and alertness. It is activated by CRF, contributing to the anxiety response.