Summary Clinical psychopathology Chapter 7

7 Depression and Mood Disorders

7.1 Major Depression

DepressionA mood disorder involving
 emotional,
 motivational,
 behavioural,
 physical and
 cognitive symptoms.

emotional experiences of depressed individuals
 are usually restricted to negative ones and these
are often described as ‘sad, hopeless, miserable,
dejected, and discouraged’. Such individuals are often close to tears and have frequent
crying episodes.
Motivational deficits
 social withdrawal
Behavioral
 slowness of speech and behaviour generally. They become physically inactive
 also exhibit characteristic postures and movements
Physical
 sleep disturbance such as middle insomnia (waking up during the night and having
difficulty getting back to sleep) and terminal insomnia (waking early and being unable to
return to sleep). In some cases, depression can be associated with oversleeping
(hypersomnia), where the individual indulges in increased daytime sleeping
Cognitive
 extremely negative views of themselves, the world around them
 pessimistic thinking

ManiaAn emotion characterized by boundless, frenzied energy and feelings of euphoria.


7.1 MAJOR DEPRESSION

7.1.1 The Diagnosis and Prevalence of Major Depression

-define depression. which two main types of clinical depression are recognized in the DSM 5?
-what are the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode? what defines it as a major
depression as a disorder?
2 types:

1)Bipolar disorder

2)major depressionA psychological problem characterized by relatively extended periods of
clinical depression which cause significant distress to the individual and impairment in social or
occupational functioning.—>also named unipolar depression
 Major depressive disorder is defined by the presence of five or more depressive symptoms
during the same 2-week period (DSM-5 Summary Table 7.1).
 However, depression is often a normal reaction to a number of life events and for
depression to become clinically problematic a diagnosis of major depressive disorder
requires the presence of dysfunctional symptoms such as feelings of worthlessness,
suicidal ideation, and impairment of daily functioning

, Chronic mood disturbances
dysthymic disorderA form of depression in which the sufferer has experienced at least 2 years
of depressed mood for more days than not.
 experience many of the behavioural and cognitive characteristics of major depression, but
these are less severe (meeting only two or more of the symptom criteria for major
depression)

Why is diagnosing of depression a controversial issue?
depression occurs in a variety of different guises within psychopathology and is commonly
comorbid with other important disorders such as:
 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
 seasonal affective disorder
 chronic fatigue syndrome
 Also, depression=highly comorbid with anxiety disorders


7.1.2 The Aetiology of Major Depression

Biological theories

Genetic components
-Possible inherited genetic component to major depression:
 1.first degree relatives are 2-3 times more likely to also suffer from it
 2.twin studies 30-40%
inherited component (which accounts for about one-third of the variance in measures of
depression

Candidate genes include the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) that can enhance or terminate
the action of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin

Neurochemical factors
Which 3 neurotransmitter are particularly involved in major depression?
serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine
 importance of serotonin and norepinephrine levels in particular

tricyclic drugs(antidepressant)drugs which block the reuptake of both serotonin and
norepinephrine (as SSRIs as well)

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as Prozac) has allowed researchers to assess
the specific role of serotonin in depression, and researchers now believe that serotonin levels play