Mood Disorders - Psychology notes

My favourite psychology course was Abnormal Psychology. Our professor was an expert in court and told us about the fascinating court cases he dealt with. When reading my blog please be aware that my notes may be somewhat dated in this field which is young and changing. Also, keep in mind that if you read and can relate to some of these symptoms, you may not have what is diagnosed here. Please do not self diagnose but do see someone with what is concerning you. Mood Disorders depression <__________> manic Depression is an over abundance of sadness - extreme sadness. Manic - excessive happiness/ elation. There are a number of issues that arise. Some people m/d are two extremes of the same continuum. Major depressive episode - most severe of depressive sub types. Cyclothemic Disorder not as severe as the a/m. It comes and goes. periods where feel hypomanic but does not all the symptoms. A manic episode is a clear and persistent elevated mood which lasts at least a week. A hypo-manic episode is not as severe and must last for four days. Two different types of bi-polar disorders - bi-polar I and bi polar II Some people have a single episode of depression. Others have several episodes throughout their life span. Criteria for Major Depression 5 of the following symptoms are present during the same 2 week period and represent a change from previous function - at least one symptom is either 1- depressed mood or 2- loss of interest or pleasure. Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day. Marked diminished interest/pleasure most of the day mainly everyday. Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain or decrease in appetite or gain 5% in the month. Insomnia or hypersomnia everyday. Psychometic agitation or retardation nearly everyday - observable by others. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly everyday. Feeling of worthlessness eg. guilt and sometimes delusional, nearly every day. Diminished ability to think or concentrate or being indecisive nearly every day. Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide. Some new clinicians hesitate to touch the topic because of fear that will be suggestive. B. The symptoms do not meet criteria for mixed episode.\ C. Symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment. D. Symptoms longer than 2 months - not due to bereavement. Manic Depressive not unusual unless longer than two months or marked functional impairment - suicide. Rem - usually half as normal in depressed people. In anxiety disorders, insomnia most often. To be continued…………