...Depression is a mood disorder characterized by several different symptoms and research has indicated that it may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. While it is generally understood that the best treatment for depression is a combination of prescription antidepressant drugs, lifestyle changes as well as therapy, the least invasive and possibly most beneficial way to begin treatment is with therapy alone. Therapy is a beneficial way to express one’s feelings and emotions rather than allowing them to bottle up and learning skills to better oneself in small everyday steps to later better their life. The brain is incredibly complex and is involved in most functions of the body. The brain contains neurotransmitters that may help indicate...
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...Psychology Mood Disorders: Causes, Effects and Treatment Mood Disorders: Causes, Effects and Treatment Robert Baker Psychology GE1116 Dr. Angela Isom November 30, 2009 Mood Disorders: Causes, Effects and Treatments In today’s society, people seem to have a lot of problems that are classified as mental disorders. These disorders include: depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The immediate stigma that is placed on most if not all mood disorders is that they are sicknesses. In the case of depression, this is not to confuse depression, a normal emotion with biological depression, an illness. Further along this line of irrational thought is the belief that they are not treatable and the person affected is in some way, shape or form disconnected from civilization as we know it. In this research paper, we will attempt to destroy these unfair stereotypes on this subject, attempt to rationalize the behaviors, and shed light on treatments for the various disorders. The research gathered will attempt to understand and answer these questions: 1. What are mood disorders and their symptoms? 2. What are the causes? 3. How can the stigma of mood disorders be removed? 4. What forms of treatment are the most successful? What Are Mood Disorders And Their Symptoms? In order to get a good idea of what causes mood disorders, we first...
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...As many as 19 million Americans million are affected by mood disorders ( The two main types of mood disorders are bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder which are described as disturbances in mood, behavior and emotion.“ Bipolar disorder is a complex disorder in which the core feature is pathological disturbance in mood ranging from extreme elation, or mania, to severe depression usually accompanied by disturbances in thinking and behavior, which may include psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations” (Craddock, Jones 1999). Major depressive disorder or unipolar depression is characterized by a consistent low mood and lack of interest in things typically enjoyed .A second classification of major depressive disorder, is dysthymic disorder which is a chronic but less severe form of major depression (John W. Santrock 2007). Also major depression has many subgroups including seasonal affect disorder and postpartum depression. While there are many treatment options for the symptoms of mood disorders and promising scientific research, much is still unknown about a disorder that affects so many lives. According to Dinsmoor, R. S. &ump; Odle, T. G. (2009), bipolar depression refers to a condition in which people experience two extremes in mood. The bipolar spectrum includes; bipolar I, bipolar 2, bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified) and cyclothymia and all are related to disturbances in mood but differ in severity of symptoms. They are differentiated by the...
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...Psychiatric Diseases, Disorders, and Drugs LaTisha Davis Psych 240 April 15, 2012 Psychiatric Diseases, Disorders, and Drugs Mood disorders are by definition disturbances in mood or prolonged emotional state. Almost anyone can suffer from mood disorders including children. These disorders range from depression, bipolar disorder to mania. In each of the states of the disorder, the person is either in a euphoric state or extremely sad state of mind. Although a person may experience mood changes in their life, and may be happy at times and then sad other time, it become a psychological disorder when the symptoms last longer than a certain amount of time. Depression is the most common mood disorder. With depression comes feelings of overwhelming sadness, lack of interest in activities, and excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness. People who suffer from depression feel they have failed tremendously in life and therefore find it hard to be sociable, they are always tired, and they never feel comfort or pleasure. They find it hard to concentrate on anything and they lose interest in sex and food as a result. Some of the signs of depression include changes in short-term memory, insomnia, and in extreme cases suicide weighs heavily on their minds. There are two categories for depression; major depressive disorder is the term used to describe intense sadness, depressed mood, and loss of interest in almost everything. Dysthymia is a milder form of depression with the same symptoms...
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...Depression Paper Nuewana Fultz 8/15/2015 PSY/270 Debbi Kutner University of Phoenix Unipolar and Bipolar There is often a confusion between Unipolar Depression and Bipolar Disorder Depression due to the fact they share the same symptoms of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism; anxiety and sleep problems; although Unipolar Depression and Bipolar Depression take very different directions. It is important that we are able to tell them apart and understand the differences in diagnosing and treating these disorders. Making an inaccurate diagnosis can result in making the disorder worse. There are two types of mood disorders: Unipolar Depression and Bipolar Disorder. It is believed both are genetic disorders and they share many of the same symptoms. These disorders differ in treatments, and some of the symptoms are also different. Both can be very severe and carry a risk of suicide. Unipolar Depression Unipolar depression is a mood disorder that is categorized by depression without mania. Depression and mania are the opposite of each other; depression is a state of sadness that one is overcome by all of life’s challenges, whereas mania is when one is on a state of elation and has extravagant beliefs that the world is theirs. Unipolar can be brought on by many different types of circumstances one experiences chemically or in life’s...
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...varieties of mood disorders however this paper is focused on cyclothymic and dysthymic disorders. Dysthymic mood disorder has long term effects where cyclothymic has short term effects. Mood disorders can happen to anyone at any time. It can be hereditary or simply caused by chronic stress. This paper will look at what each of these disorders are, how the come about, symptoms, and treatment. This paper will also talk about some case studies involved in each disorder to give examples of what it is like to live with a mood disorder. The entire scholarly journal authors used in this paper has a degree in phycology or education. Key Words: Dysthymic, Cyclothymic Tina is a 25 year old that lives a very happy productive life most of the time. She goes through highs where she is super happy and excited but that doesn’t last forever, she then goes into a depression where all she wants to do is stay at home and sleep. Tina doesn’t know what to do, she wants to be able to live her life to the fullest but unable to do so due to her constant misunderstood emotions. Bill is an average male on the outside but inside he suffers some serious problems he is happy but in a few days he won’t be. He will become severely depressed everyday of his life for nearly two years. If bill doesn’t get help for his depression he is at high risk for suicide. Significantly, cyclothymic and dysthymic mood disorders are affecting people from all parts of the world. Cyclothymic disorder is a milder mood disorder...
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...marijuana is the root cause of many mental disorders. In spite of government warnings about health risks, many people see it as a harmless substance that helps you to relax and ‘chill’ – a drug that, unlike alcohol and cigarettes, might even be good for your physical and mental health. On the other hand, recent research has suggested that it can be a major cause of psychotic illnesses in those who are genetically vulnerable. This paper looks at the research on mood disorders and the use of cannabis for its treatment. It will brief on the types of mood disorders, their symptoms, and treatment and finally discuss both positive and negative effects of using marijuana as a ‘cure’ for mood disorders. WHAT ARE MOOD DISORDERS? Mood disorders, or affective disorders, are mental health problems such as all types of depression, bipolar disorder, and mania (Klasco, 2011). The disorders in this category include those where the primary symptom is a disturbance in mood; in other words, inappropriate, exaggerated, or limited range of feelings. There are chemicals in the brain, called endorphins, which are responsible for positive moods. Other chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, regulate endorphins. Most likely, depression (and other mood disorders) is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain (The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center). Life events (such as unwanted changes in life) may also contribute to a depressed mood. WHAT IS MARIJUANA? Marijuana is a psychoactive...
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...MOOD DISORDER Mood disorder is something every one experience even occasional strong, even unpleasant, emotional reactions. however, when moods tend to go out of control, going thru extreme elation or plunging to deep depression, the diagnosis will end up been one of the mood disorder. Mood disorder is define by extremes of mood, from mania to depression. Two types are major depression and bipolar disorder. Mood disorders can effect anyone, including children. The cause of mood disorders is not fully understood, but an imbalance in brain known as neurotransmitters is likely the cause. Sometimes mood disorders may be related to a medical condition, substance abuse, life events, or other events in life. However, I have experience with this disorder due to the fact I was diagnosis at 19 with mood disorder, I was also diagnosis with bipolar as well. Major depression consist of hopelessness and despair, which is also known as clinical depression. When dealing with major depression, it may be difficult to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy friends and activities. Clinical depression can happen only once in your life, while others have it several times in a lifetime. Major depression seems to occur from one generation to the next in some families, but may affect people with no family history of the illness. The symptoms of major depression include: profoundly sad or irritable mood, pronounced changes in sleep, appetite, and energy, difficulty thinking, concentrating, and remembering...
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...Depression: Unipolar and Bipolar Vanessa Clark PSY/270 July 7, 2013 Dr. Stephanie Sencil-White, PsyD, PhD, LCSW, DCSW Depression: Unipolar and Bipolar There comes a time in one’s life where they may have the signs and symptoms of a person suffering from depression. Depression is a mood disorder that can affect anyone of any age at some point in their life, but usually occurs after a traumatic event. Unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder are two depression disorders that will be discussed throughout this essay. The differences of unipolar and bipolar disorder, the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatments of these two disorders will also be discussed so that others can seek the help they need if they notice the signs and symptoms happening in their life. Unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder are both considered to be a form of depression, yet there are differences that can assist a psychiatrist in determining which disorder a patient may have. Unipolar disorder affects your mood, your daily living, and causes an all-time depressive state. Where unipolar disorder consists of depressive (low) symptoms, bipolar disorder consist of cycles of mania (high) and depressive (low) symptoms (Bipolar Central, 2004-2013). Bipolar disorder is said to be characterized by extreme changes in mood and can lead to risky behavior, damaged relationships, careers, and even suicidal tendencies. According to “Bipolar Central” (2004-2013), unipolar disorder is characterized by severe debilitating...
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...Mood Disorders and Suicide Sharmaine M. Discion Emotion refers to a state 0f arousal that is defined by subjective states of feeling. Affect refers to the pattern of observable behaviors that are associated with subjective feeling Mood refers to a pervasive and sustained emotional response that can color the person’s perception of the world. Depression can refer either to a mood or to a clinical syndrome, a combination of emotional, cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Syndrome of depression is also called clinical depression. Mania, the flip side of depression, also involves a disturbance in mood that is accompanied by additional symptoms. Euphoria, or elated mood, is the opposite emotional state from a depressed mood. It is characterized by an exaggerated feeling of physical and emotional well-being. Mood disorders are defined in terms of episodes-discrete periods of time in which the person’s behavior is dominated by either a depressed or manic mood. Common Features of Depression * Changes in Emotional State * Changes in motivation * Changes in functioning and motor behavior * Behavioral Symptoms * Cognitive changes HOW TO DIAGNOSE MOOD DISORDERS? The DSM-IV-TR approach to classifying mood disorders recognizes several subtypes of depression, placing special emphasis on the distinction between unipolar and bipolar disorders. TYPES OF MOOD DISORDERS Unipolar Mood Disorder is a mood disorder in which the person experiences only episodes...
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...Bipolar Disorder HCA/240 Prepared by: Ta’Kesha N. Cutter Prepared for: Wanda Carter Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, has been researched since the 1st Century in Greece, and is one of the earliest recorded illnesses. Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings. These mood swings include extreme lows such as depression, as well as extreme highs such as mania or hypomania. When one becomes depressed they may feel hopeless or sad and lose interest or pleasure in most activities, even activities that they once enjoyed. Mood swings can occur as frequently as every day or only a few times a year. Bipolar disorder symptoms may cause strained or damaged relationships, poor performance at work and school, and even suicide. According to mayoclinic.org, “Although bipolar disorder is a disruptive, long-term condition, you can keep your moods in check by following a treatment plan” (mayoclinic.org, 2015). The mention of bipolar disorder has been dated back as early as the 1st Century in Greece. Aretaeus of Cappadocia, who was a physician and philosopher during the time of Nero or Vespasian, began the quest into the disorder by beginning the process of detailing symptoms. Aretaeus detailed the link between mania and depression. “ Aretaeus described a group of patients that who ‘laugh, play, dance night and day, and sometimes go openly to the market crowned, as if victors in some contest of skill’ only to be ‘torpid, dull, and sorrowful’ at other...
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...Depression Class Psy/270 Axia College University of Phoenix Introduction Many people in our society suffer with some form of disorder or another from; personality disorders, to psychological disorders, eating disorders, sleeping disorders and even the way one processes thoughts. Mood disorders are amongst one of the highest ranking around. Mood disorders affect almost forty-four million Americans every year, making mood disorders one of the most common health issues in the United States (National Mental Health Information Center, 2006). Depression is a mood disorder characterized by ongoing feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Many people suffer from depression in either mild or severe forms. Bipolar disorder and unipolar depression are two major mood disorders that will be discussed in this paper. Depression plays a key role in both disorders; in this paper we will examine key factors that make the difference between the two. Assignment: Depression Paper Unipolar Depression In our daily day to day lives we experience stress or have experienced a traumatic event at one point or another. Work hassles, traffic jams, family problems, childhood trauma, romantic relationships, terrorist attacks, or the death of a loved one, and the list goes on and on. Theses events take a toll on us causing...
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...Depression is not only a state of being sad, it is a disease that conquers the ability to feel emotion, whether good or bad. Depression not only involves the mind, it also involves the body and thoughts. Some complain of excessive headaches and extreme pain and this is identified as depression. This disease can be passed down through genes or can follow external events or can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Depression affects twenty percent of all Americans, some without even knowing it, at sometime during their lives. Depression is not a disease that only influences males or children of the age three to eleven. Every human being is prone to depression. Although women are three times more likely to become depressed than men, men are five times more likely to commit suicide when depressed than women. Some think that women have a less pleasing social role and their hormones make them more likely to admit tp depression. Men are more subject to keep their emotions bottled up inside of them because of their role in society or it may question their manhood. Although all age groups are open to depression, teenagers are the most common to be heard of being affected by the disease. This is probably because of peer pressure and the changes in their life. Although the rate of suicide as a whole has decreased in the past twenty five years, the fixed amount of suicide from those between fifteen and nineteen has sky rocketed and quadrupled. The number of deaths due to suicide...
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...bipolar disorders. Symptoms usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood and continue throughout life. The disorder occurs in males and females equally and is found more frequently in close relatives of people already known to have it.. It has been very noticeable among creative individuals, affecting such artists as Hector Berlioz, Gustav Mahler, Ernest Hemingway, and Virginia Woolf. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Bipolar disorder is a long-term psychological condition known to create extreme changes in mood, which range from extreme lows of depression to extreme manic highs. The rate of mood swings varies from many times a day to a handful of episodes in a year. The condition can be controlled with the use of medication and counseling. The disorder is defined in a hierarchy of severity. There are different levels of bipolar disorder which will be discussed. Bipolar I involve intense and potentially dangerous manic episodes, and often negatively impacts work, education, and personal relationships. Bipolar II is not as severe as Bipolar I, but still includes heightened mood and agitation. It is possible to live a more normal everyday life with this level of the disorder. Lastly, Bipolar III, a fairly recently discovered form, comes about as the result of the medication prescribed to people with depression. A lot...
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...that could cause depression, but the main two tend to be Unipolar and bipolar. Unipolar is a condition that is caused when a person just has depression, while bipolar is when a person has highs such as mania and lows such as depression. When you hear people talk about being diagnosed with or treated for depression, they are often referring to unipolar depression. There are important differences between unipolar depression and bipolar depression. These differences are how the illness makes people feel and behave, and differences in how they are supported through treatment. In addition to going through low moods or depression, individuals with bipolar disorder also have high moods known as mania during which they may experience increased energy, feelings of euphoria, insomnia (inability to sleep) or impulsive behaviors like shopping sprees or promiscuous sex. Someone with unipolar depression doesn’t go through the “highs” of bipolar depression. A closer look at the symptoms of depression are: sleep disturbances, eating disturbances, depressed mood, lack of interest in usually pleasurable activities, fatigue, isolation, anxiety and loss of self esteem. Some depressed people have suicidal ideation. You don't need to have all these symptoms, but if you have at least 5 of them for a period of two weeks, your diagnosis is major depression. In a nutshell, when you are depressed, you feel terrible, don't want to be social, and usually stick to yourself. Bipolar disorder refers to both...
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