Understanding Mood Disorders: Types and Differences

• A mood episode involves intense mood swings alongside cognitive and behavioral symptoms.

Mood Episode Types

• Major Depressive Episode
• Manic Episode
• Hypomanic Episode

Unipolar vs. Bipolar Depression

• Unipolar depression includes only depressive episodes, seen in MDD and PDD.
• Bipolar depression includes depressive and manic episodes, seen in Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder.
• Unipolar depression is more common, treated with antidepressants, CBT, or IPT.
• Bipolar depression is less common, often requiring mood stabilizers or antipsychotics.

MDD vs. PDD

• MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) lasts for 2 weeks, with severe and disabling symptoms; can be acute or episodic.
• PDD (Persistent Depressive Disorder, or dysthymia) lasts for 2 years, often milder but chronic, with long-term low mood, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, low energy, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness.

Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II vs. Cyclothymic Disorder

• Bipolar I involves at least one manic episode that causes severe functional impairment and may require hospitalization.
• Bipolar II involves one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, but no full manic episode.
• Cyclothymic Disorder involves 2 years of fluctuating depressive and hypomanic symptoms, present for at least 50% of the time.

Manic vs. Hypomanic Episode

• Manic episodes are more severe, lasting a week or more, causing significant impairment, and potentially requiring hospitalization.
• Hypomanic episodes are less intense, lasting at least 4 days, without causing major impairment or requiring hospitalization.

Diathesis-Stress Model in Depression

• Mental disorders result from the interaction of a vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
• The serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and stressful life events are examples of factors in this model.

Effects of Depression

• Depression affects cognition through negative thoughts and hopelessness.
• Depression affects emotions, behavior, and physiology, causing changes in habits.

Gender Differences in Depression

• Women are twice as likely to experience depression as men potentially due to biological, social, and cultural factors.
• Women are also more likely to seek help.

Biological Explanations of Depression

• Genetics play a role; twin studies show a higher likelihood of both twins developing depression.
• Neurotransmitters: Low levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are implicated.
• Neuroimaging: The prefrontal cortex and amygdala are impacted; smaller hippocampus.

Psychological Theories of Depression

• Cognitive: Focuses on negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions.
• Learned Helplessness: Focuses on perceived lack of control and attribution styles.
• Behavioral: Focuses on lack of rewards, engagement, and withdrawal.
• Modeling: Focuses on learning depressive behaviors by observing others.

Psychopharmacological Treatments for Depression

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
• TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants)
• MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

How Antidepressants Work

• Antidepressants increase the levels of serotonin by blocking its reuptake in the brain.

Side Effects of Antidepressants

• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Sexual dysfunction
• Insomnia

Effectiveness of Antidepressants

• Antidepressants exhibit around 60%-70% effective for depression patients.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

• ECT is used for patients who have not responded to medication or therapy, have life-threatening symptoms or psychotic depression, or need a rapid response.

Drugs for Bipolar Disorder

• Lithium: Side effects include weight gain, tremors, kidney/thyroid issues, thirst, requires blood monitoring.
• Anticonvulsants: Side effects include liver issues, dizziness, weight gain, rash.
• Atypical Antipsychotics: Side effects include sedation, weight gain, metabolic syndrome, motor issues.

Causal Explanations for Bipolar Disorder

• Brain chemistry and structure
• Circadian rhythms
• Stress
• Genetics: Strong hereditary link; first-degree relatives are more likely to develop the disorder.

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

• Medication and psychotherapy
• Medication is often favored and considered most effective.

Epidemiology of Suicide

• Women attempt suicide more often, but men complete suicide more often.
• Young adults and elderly men are especially at risk.
• Mental illness is the biggest risk factor.
• Suicide attempts are common, but completed suicide attempts often involve more planning and access to lethal means.

Suicide Prevention

• Therapy and safety planning
• Early intervention and ongoing support
• Suicide is preventable with the proper support and treatment.