Clinical characteristics
Biological perspective
– Genetic
– Neurochemical
Psychological perspective
– Cognitive
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Mood Disorders
Psychological symptoms:
– Persistent low mood
– Diminished pleasure in normal activities
– Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
– Suicidal ideation
Physical symptoms:
– Fatigue/loss of energy
– Changes in weight/appetite
– Insomnia or hypersomnia
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Depression
Psychological symptoms
– Inflated self-esteem/grandiosity
– Flight or ideas/racing thoughts
– Extreme distractibility
– Increased goal-directed behaviour
– High risk hedonistic behaviour
Physical symptoms
– Psychomotor agitation
– Decreased need for sleep
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Mania
Unipolar (depression)
– Major depressive disorder
(Endogenous or reactive)
– Disthymic disorder
– Psychotic depression
Bipolar (alternating depression and mania)
– Major bipolar disorder
– Cyclothymia
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Mood Disorder Types
Unipolar
– Lifetime prevalence of 5-9% in population
– About 2x more likely in women
– Increased rates in adolescence, old age
Bipolar
– Lifetime prevalence of about 1% in population
(possible underestimate)
– MBD more slightly common in men,
cyclothymia slightly more common in women
NIMH data for US population
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Prevalence