Suicide and Bipolar Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What does the Cognitive Triad consist of?

Neutral views about oneself, others, and the future

Positive views about oneself, others, and the future

Negative views about oneself, others, and the future (correct)

Negative views only about the self

Which of the following describes irrational thinking as identified by Albert Ellis?

Focusing on positive outcomes regardless of evidence

Logical reasoning leading to emotional clarity

Accepting failure as an inevitable outcome

Unrealistic demands leading to emotional turmoil (correct)

What is a characteristic of automatic thoughts in cognitive theory?

They are carefully considered beliefs

They are always positive

They occur randomly without prior triggers

They are flash negative thoughts that occur automatically (correct)

Learned helplessness is associated with which type of attribution?

Global and stable attributions about oneself Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered a key environmental cause of depression?

Increased dopamine levels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a psychological trigger of depression?

Mental stress and significant loss Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plays a role in mood dysregulation?

Increased cortisol levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of increased melatonin levels in individuals susceptible to seasonal depression?

Development of depressive symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological factor is not commonly associated with the onset of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder?

Achievement of lifelong goals Signup and view all the answers

According to cognitive theories, what primarily contributes to the persistence of depression?

Negative thoughts and beliefs Signup and view all the answers

The Cognitive Triad proposed by Aaron Beck includes negative thinking towards which of the following?

Self, others, and future Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive error involves drawing negative conclusions based on insufficient evidence?

Arbitrary inference Signup and view all the answers

How do depressed individuals typically process information regarding emotions?

They dwell on negative information longer than positive. Signup and view all the answers

What are automatic thoughts in the context of depression?

Spontaneous negative mental images or ideas Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of irrational thinking, as per Albert Ellis, is likely to disrupt emotional stability?

Pessimistic interpretations of experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a psychological trigger of depression?

Consistent positive feedback Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of 'demandingness' as described by Ellis?

The unrealistic expectations imposed on oneself or others. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of learned helplessness as postulated by Seligman?

Acceptance of bad outcomes with no effort to change them. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'stable versus unstable' causes in attribution theory?

Permanent explanations versus temporary explanations of outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Ellis believed that unrealistic demands primarily lead to what emotional condition?

Emotional distress and dysfunction. Signup and view all the answers

How does learned helplessness contribute to depression through negative thinking?

By leading individuals to expect that bad events will continue without their control. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of irrational thinking can result from the concept of demandingness?

Experiencing disappointment when outcomes do not meet expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What role do attributions play in the context of learned helplessness?

They provide explanations for stress and its outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates a 'stable' attribution for a failure?

I always fail at exams because I am not smart. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of emotional distress, what is a potential danger of unrealistic expectations?

They can cause individuals to feel inadequate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Suicide

Suicide is defined as an intentional act of ending one's life due to mental anguish, pain, or despair.
Suicide is a negative outcome of mental disorders, particularly depression. It's not a disorder itself, though suicidal behavior is being considered for classification in the DSM-5.
Multiple factors often contribute to suicidal thoughts or actions, not just one single cause.
Experiencing suicidal thoughts is not necessarily an indicator of having a diagnosable mental illness.
Mental illnesses, psychological dysfunction, and recent life events can all be contributing factors.
Examples include: losses in earlier life, stressful events, mood and thought changes, alcohol or drug use, and mental disorders.
The person experiencing suicidal thoughts often feels their pain is unbearable.
Suicide is not a sign of moral weakness or a character flaw.

Bipolar disorder is highly heritable, supported by twin studies.
Genetic models don't fully explain the timing of manic symptoms.
Other factors trigger symptoms, like specific life events or conditions.
Genes linked to serotonin and norepinephrine imbalance, with depression showing low norepinephrine and serotonin, and mania showing high norepinephrine and dopamine, low serotonin.
Hormonal factors like cortisol (stress hormone) and melatonin (darkness hormone) are linked to depression.
Seasonal changes affecting sunlight and melatonin levels can also contribute.

Psychological Factors in Depression

Early life losses and other negative life events are common triggers.
Emotional instability or neuroticism
Negative cognitive styles can influence depressive episodes.
Lack of rewards or social support plays a role.
Negative thoughts about oneself, others, and future (cognitive triad).
Errors in thinking, like arbitrary conclusions or selectively focusing on negative details.
Automatic thoughts, negative thoughts that immediately appear in response to a trigger.

Irrational Thinking (Albert Ellis)

Irrational beliefs and unrealistic demands can contribute to psychological problems.
Example: "I need to succeed or I am a failure."

Learned Helplessness (Seligman)

A belief that one has no control over outcomes, often stemming from past negative experiences.
Attributions are how people explain events.
- Stable (permanent) vs. unstable (temporary) causes.
- Global (relevant to many life domains) vs. specific (limited to one area) causes.
- Example: "I failed the test because I'm bad at tests" (global and stable)

Environmental Causes

Negative life events, lack of social support, and family criticism contribute to the likelihood of depression.
Factors include abuse, mental stress, significant losses, or other trauma.
Genetics may need an environmental trigger to activate conditions like bipolar disorder.
Poor social skills can increase depression risk.

Key Reminders

Depression and bipolar disorder can involve intertwined biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Early intervention, support, and treatment are key to managing these conditions effectively.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

This quiz explores the complex relationship between suicide and mental health disorders, particularly focusing on bipolar disorder. It examines the various factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, clarifying misconceptions surrounding mental illness. Understand the critical aspects of mental health and how they relate to suicide risk.