Mental Health Exam 3 Mood Disorders, Depression, & Bipolar Spectrum Disorders Questions and Answers

Depression - Answer-syndrome rather than a disease -It's difficult to convey the profound anguish that is experienced by an individual suffering a severe depressive episode unless we ourselves have had a similar experience -can cause severe impairment in psychosocial functioning and lead to increased mortality Major Depressive Disorder - Answer-medical illness that affects how you feel, think and behave causing persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities -Depression without manic symptoms -Single episode or recurrent -Can resolve within 3 months -Each reoccurrence can increase risk for future reoccurance. Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia)(PPD) - Answer-Second most common presentation of depressive symptoms -Depressive symptoms for at least two years -hard to distinguish from person's apparent usual pattern of functioning ("I've always been this way" "It's just the way I am.") -social & occupational distress, but usually not severe enough for hospitalization unless they become suicidal -onset is usually adolescence, although can occur in adulthood after severe stress -present longer and presents w less severe symptoms compared w an episode of MDD -daytime fatigue, not functioning at optimal level, chronic low-level depression/irritable mood, eating too much/little, difficulty sleeping, loss of energy, decreased capacity to experience pleasure, irritability, negative thinking, low self-esteem Common Symptoms of Depression - Answer--Sleep disturbance (too much or insomnia) & Sad mood -Interest diminished in pleasurable activities -Guilt feeling: feelings of worthlessness -Energy decreased or fatigue & self Esteem loss -Concentration diminished & indecisiveness -Appetite change (increased or decreased) with weight changes -Psychomotor retardation (slowing) or agitation -Suicidal thoughts and behaviors and thoughts of death