Understanding Atypical Depression
40 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a common treatment option for atypical depression?

  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • SSRIs or MAOIs (correct)
  • Bright Light Therapy

    • Which of the following symptoms is NOT characteristic of depression with anxious distress?

  • Hyperactivity and high energy (correct)
  • Difficulty concentrating due to anxiety
  • Restlessness and tension
  • Worrying excessively

    • What defines recurrent depression in terms of episode occurrence?

  • Episodes occur continuously without any normal mood periods.
  • Multiple depressive episodes triggered by seasonal changes.
  • A single prolonged depressive episode lasting for years.
  • At least two distinct depressive episodes with normal mood in between. (correct)

    • What is a primary treatment for seasonal depression (SAD)?

    <p>Bright Light Therapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation of the categorical system used in the DSM-5 regarding mental health disorders?

    <p>It assumes clear-cut boundaries between distinct disorders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role might depression play in early human survival according to evolutionary theorists?

    <p>It signals for help from others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is NOT part of the diagnostic criteria for a manic episode?

    <p>Low energy levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a hypomanic episode from a manic episode?

    <p>Hypomania does not cause marked impairment in functioning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of mood disorders, what are proximal causes?

    <p>Immediate factors such as stress or chemical imbalances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered an ultimate cause of mood disorders?

    <p>Adaptive functions that enhance survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Emil Kraepelin contribute to the understanding of mood disorders?

    <p>He laid the foundation for classifying psychiatric disorders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential adaptive function of depressive symptoms?

    <p>To conserve resources by disengaging from unattainable goals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of a major depressive episode?

    <p>Depressed mood most of the day for at least two weeks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a common misconception regarding the impact of depressive symptoms?

    <p>They are purely negative and do not have any adaptive features.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does equifinality refer to in psychological outcomes?

    <p>Different causes resulting in the same outcome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes multifinality?

    <p>The same risk factor can lead to various mental health outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is NOT essential for establishing a causal relationship in psychological research?

    <p>Having a large sample size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it difficult to prove causality in psychopathology research?

    <p>Research often relies on correlational studies without manipulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does ruling out confounding variables aim to achieve in causal research?

    <p>To reduce the influence of third variables on results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement illustrates an example of temporal precedence?

    <p>A person develops depression after a divorce</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can misinterpretation of correlational data impact psychological research?

    <p>It may lead to false conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical age of onset for unipolar depression?

    <p>Mid-adulthood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is primarily required for managing mania in bipolar disorder?

    <p>Mood stabilizers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes mixed features in mood disorders?

    <p>They can occur in both manic and depressive episodes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes mood congruent psychotic features from mood incongruent features?

    <p>Mood congruent features match the individual's mood state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what manner does bipolar disorder typically progress over time?

    <p>Episodic with alternating mania and depression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant risk factor specifically for bipolar disorder?

    <p>Genetic predisposition through first-degree relatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is characteristic of melancholia in depression?

    <p>Psychomotor retardation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential side effect should be considered when treating bipolar disorder with antidepressants?

    <p>Induction of manic episodes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a hallmark symptom of atypical depression?

    <p>Increased need for sleep</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are the symptoms of a manic episode defined in the context of mixed features?

    <p>Exhibiting some depressive characteristics alongside mania.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is NOT required for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder?

    <p>Increased appetite.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)?

    <p>Duration of depressed mood lasts at least 2 years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is accurate?

    <p>PMDD must be confirmed by daily ratings in at least 2 menstrual cycles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mood disorder is characterized by both manic and depressive episodes?

    <p>Bipolar I Disorder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes Bipolar II Disorder from Bipolar I Disorder?

    <p>Bipolar II Disorder consists of hypomanic episodes and one major depressive episode.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of depression is characterized by seasonal episodes?

    <p>Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which of the following is psychosis present?

    <p>Bipolar I Disorder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prevalent sex ratio does Unipolar Depression exhibit?

    <p>Prevalence of 1:2 (male:female).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a distinguishing feature of 'double depression'?

    <p>It consists of both Persistent Depressive Disorder and Major Depressive Episodes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Equifinality and Multifinality

    • Equifinality: Different causes can lead to the same outcome. Various life experiences (trauma, genetics, stress) can result in the same mental health outcome (e.g., depression).
    • Multifinality: Similar causes can lead to different outcomes. Early trauma can result in diverse outcomes, like anxiety, depression, or resilience, influenced by support systems and coping mechanisms.

    Challenges to Establishing Causality

    • Correlational Research: Most psychopathology research is correlational (observing relationships, not manipulating variables). This limits proving causality, especially in complex areas like mental health.
    • Temporal Precedence: For causal claims, the risk factor must precede the disorder. Childhood trauma precedes later depression.
    • Confounding Variables (Third Variables): Researchers must consider other factors impacting both the risk factor and the outcome. Genetic predisposition or socioeconomic status (e.g., poverty) might influence both maladaptive parenting and psychopathology.

    Evolutionary Perspective

    • Proximal Causes: Immediate factors (e.g., chemical imbalances, stress) impacting mood disorders.
    • Ultimate Causes: Evolutionary explanations for mood disorders—why they exist.
    • Adaptive Functions: Depression might be adaptive signaling for help, submission in conflict, or disengagement from impossible goals.
    • Defect in Function: Sometimes adaptive defenses may malfunction.
    • Defenses Against Threats: Symptoms (e.g., fever from infection) are adaptive responses, though some may go wrong.

    Clinical Presentation: Mania and Depression

    • Historical Background: Emil Kraepelin's work influenced modern psychiatric classifications, especially distinguishing mania and depression.
    • DSM-5 Criteria - Manic Episode: Elevated/expansive/irritable mood lasting at least a week, with three or more noticeable symptoms (e.g., increased energy, grandiosity, decreased sleep, racing thoughts). Causes impairment or requires hospitalisation.
    • DSM-5 Criteria - Hypomanic Episode: A less severe form of mania, lasting at least 4 days, with noticeable changes but not significant impairment. No psychotic features.
    • DSM-5 Criteria - Major Depressive Episode: Persistent low mood and loss of interest (anhedonia) lasting at least 2 weeks, with 5 or more symptoms (e.g., depressed mood, loss of interest, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts). Causes distress or impairment.

    Historical Perspectives

    • 17th Century: Diseases viewed as syndromes (clusters of symptoms).
    • 18th Century: Pathophysiology (focus on biological mechanisms).
    • 19th Century: Etiology (microorganisms as disease causes).
    • 20th Century: Chronic diseases & multifactorial models (e.g., genetic, environmental factors).

    Classification of Mood Disorders

    • Bipolar Disorders: Bipolar I (mania, potentially depression), Bipolar II (hypomania, depression).
    • Depressive Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD).
    • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Chronic low mood for at least 2 years with mild, but persistent, symptoms.
    • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Severe mood changes tied to the menstrual cycle.
    • Unipolar vs. Bipolar: Unipolar = only depressive episodes; Bipolar = manic and depressive episodes.

    Unipolar vs. Bipolar Distinction

    • Prevalence and Sex Ratio: Unipolar depression more common (women > men), Bipolar less common (roughly equal sex ratio).
    • Age at Onset and Course: Unipolar depression mid-adulthood, chronic; Bipolar earlier, episodic.
    • Family History and Genetics: Unipolar has a less pronounced genetic component, Bipolar has a stronger one.
    • Treatment Response: Unipolar responds to antidepressants; Bipolar needs mood stabilizers alongside antidepressants (with caution).

    Mixed and Psychotic Features

    • Mixed Features: Simultaneous depressive and manic/hypomanic symptoms in mood episodes.
    • Psychotic Features: Delusions/hallucinations in mania and depression; mood-congruent (aligned with mood) or mood-incongruent (not aligned).

    Subtypes of Depression

    • Psychotic Features: Mood congruent (e.g., guilt during depression) or incongruent (e.g., grandiosity during depression).
    • Melancholia: Severe depression—anhedonia, lack of mood reactivity, psychomotor retardation.
    • Atypical Depression: Mood reactivity, reversed vegetative signs (increased appetite/sleep), rejection sensitivity.
    • Anxious Distress: Depression with significant anxiety symptoms.
    • Recurrent Depression: Multiple depressive episodes.
    • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Seasonal onset of depression.
    • Peri-partum Onset Depression: Depression during or after childbirth.

    Problems with Classification

    • Comorbidity: High rates of multiple disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety) in individuals. This can arise from shared factors, overlaps in criteria, or causal effects.
    • Categories vs. Dimensions: Current system is categorical (distinct categories); dimensional models (spectrum approach) may better capture overlap and variability.
    • Empirically-Derived Models: Models like Internalizing-Externalizing and Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) attempt to organize disorders by shared symptoms.

    Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Overlap

    • Overlap: Both can present with psychotic symptoms. The course and temporal relationship of symptoms often differentiates.
    • Schizoaffective Disorder: Combines schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms, requiring that psychotic symptoms persist even outside mood episodes.
    • Genetic overlap: Some shared genetic factors are highly suspected.

    Depression and Anxiety Overlap

    • High Comorbidity: Over 50% of people with one have the other.
    • Shared Negative Affect: Both involve negative emotions, but differ in specific symptoms (depression = low positive affect; anxiety = high arousal).
    • Genetic & Environmental factors: Shared risk factors; different types of negative events potentially contribute to each.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Test your knowledge on atypical depression with this quiz. Covering treatments, symptom characteristics, and diagnostic criteria, you'll explore the complexities of this mental health condition. Perfect for students of psychology or individuals interested in mental health.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser