V. Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are characterized by marked disturbances in emotional state, which affect thinking, physical symptoms, social relationships, and behavior. If mood is viewed as a continuum, mood disorders occur when a person experiences moods that lie at either extreme of the continuum. Mood disorders are of two basic types: unipolar or bipolar. People with unipolar disorders experience moods that are at the depressive end of the continuum. People with bipolar disorders experience moods that are at both ends of the continuum. Mood disorders are generally episodic, which means they tend to come and go. The duration of the disturbed emotional state and the pattern of its occurrence determine how a mood disorder is diagnosed. Dysthymic Disorder A person with dysthymic disorder experiences a depressed mood for a majority of days over at least two years. Major Depressive Disorder Major depressive disorder is characterized by at least one major depressive episode. A major depressive episode is a period of at least two weeks in which a person experiences some or all of the following symptoms:
Suicide People who are extremely depressed typically do not commit suicide. In the depths of a depressive episode, people usually feel too unmotivated and apathetic to form a suicide plan and carry it out. Suicide is more likely when a depressed person begins the process of recovery and becomes more energetic. Research shows that women are more likely to attempt suicide than men, but men are more likely to be successful at carrying out a suicide. Bipolar Disorders Bipolar disorders involve at least one distinct period when a person exhibits manic symptoms. Manic symptoms include any or all of the following:
People with bipolar disorders usually also experience major depressive episodes. Men and women are equally likely to suffer from bipolar disorders. Etiology of Mood Disorders Researchers believe that many different influences interact to produce mood disorders. Biological Factors Biological influences include the following:
Cognitive Factors Many researchers have studied the various cognitive factors involved in depression:
Interpersonal Factors Various interpersonal influences are also linked to depression:
Environmental Stressors The onset and course of mood disorders may be influenced by stress. Stress also affects people’s responses to treatment and whether they are likely to have a relapse. Some researchers have suggested that women are more vulnerable to depression because they tend to experience more stress in the form of discrimination, poverty, and sexual abuse and because they may have less satisfying work and family lives than men. Even if people are usually happy and have friends and family to rely on, they can still become depressed. Major catastrophes and personal traumas can also contribute to depression. For instance, living in a war zone, having a home destroyed by fire, suffering from a chronically painful or debilitating illness, going through a divorce, or losing a loved one can all bring on depression. |
Vocabulary to Know
Mood Disorders Dysthymic Disorder Major Depressive Disorder Major Depressive Episode Bipolar Disorder Learned Helplessness Rumination |
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