MPH - Depressive Disorders and Bipolar Disorders Lesson

Learning Targets:

  • Identify the symptoms and potential causes of various depressive disorders.
  • Explain the symptoms and possible origins of different bipolar disorders

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

 

Depressive Disorders

Depression

Depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder, are marked by feelings of sadness, emptiness, or irritability, combined with changes in physical and cognitive functions. These changes can impact a person's daily life and ability to function normally. Symptoms often include persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

The causes of depressive disorders can stem from various sources, including biological factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain, genetic predispositions, social influences, cultural factors, behavioral patterns, and cognitive tendencies. It's essential to recognize that depressive disorders can have multifaceted origins, and seeking professional help is crucial in addressing and managing these conditions effectively.

 

Watch the video below on the biological basis of depression.

 

Complete the activity below to learn more about depressive disorders and treatments.

Explore each section in the tabs below to learn more.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

 

This disorder is characterized by frequent outbursts of anger or temper over a period lasting one year or more. The individual will not experience a period greater than three months with one of these outbursts. The individual is often irritable and angry. The diagnosis is made usually somewhere between late childhood and early adulthood.

 

 

 

Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorders are mental health conditions characterized by extreme mood swings that include periods of mania, where individuals experience heightened energy levels and irritability, and periods of depression, marked by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Those with bipolar disorders may also undergo a mixed state, displaying features of both mania and depression simultaneously. These mood episodes can fluctuate in duration, with some individuals experiencing rapid cycling between manic and depressive states, while others go through longer periods of stability before transitioning to another phase.

The causes of bipolar disorders are multifaceted and can stem from various sources. While biological factors such as imbalances in neurotransmitters or changes in brain structure may play a role, genetic predisposition also appears to be a contributing factor, as individuals with a family history of bipolar disorders are at a higher risk. Additionally, social and environmental influences, cultural expectations, behavioral patterns, and cognitive processes can influence the development and manifestation of bipolar disorders. Understanding these diverse potential causes is essential in providing comprehensive support and treatment for individuals dealing with bipolar disorders.

 

Complete the activity below to learn more about bipolar disorder and treatments.

Explore each section in the tabs below to learn more.

Bipolar I (Characterized by the following episodes)

 

  • Manic Episode: A period in which one experiences a period of greatly heightened moods that are characterized by an increase in: energy, activity, and (or) irritability lasting at least one week. The individual will also have at least three of the following present: grandiosity, insomnia, garrulousness, incoherent thoughts, attention deficiencies, agitation, restlessness, increased creativity and goal orientation, and less inhibition in behaviors.
  • Hypomanic Episode: Similar in characteristics to a manic episode, but lasting at least four days.
  • Major Depressive Episode: Five or more of the following must be present during a two-week period: negative mood, diminished satisfaction in most activities, significant weight loss, chronic insomnia or hypersomnia, agitation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, suicidal thoughts.

 

 

 

Depressive and Bipolar Disorders through Biological and Social-Cognitive Perspectives

Depressive and bipolar disorders can be better comprehended through the lens of both biological and social-cognitive perspectives. The biological perspective delves into the influence of genetic predispositions, abnormalities in brain structures and functions, and the impacts of nutrition on these disorders. On the other hand, the social-cognitive perspective examines how depression is perpetuated by a cycle of stressful encounters, which are then processed through negative beliefs, attributions, and memories. This pattern often leads to continuous rumination, ultimately resulting in negative moods, thoughts, and behaviors, thus reinforcing the cycle of distressing experiences. The integration of these two perspectives offers a more holistic understanding of the complexities surrounding depressive and bipolar disorders, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of these mental health conditions.

 

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