Lecture 4 notes

Question 1

What are the pervasive qualities of an individual’s emotional experience in mood disorders?

Answer 1

• Depressed mood
• Anxious mood
• Elated mood

These qualities can severely impair an individual’s ability to function in daily responsibilities.

Question 2

Define unipolar in the context of mood disorders.

Answer 2

Pertaining to a single pole, or direction, as in unipolar (depressive) disorders

Unipolar disorders are characterized by depressive episodes without the presence of manic episodes.

Question 3

Define bipolar in the context of mood disorders.

Answer 3

Characterized by opposites, as in bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorders involve fluctuations in mood that exceed normal ups and downs.

Question 4

What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Answer 4

Severe depressive disorder characterized by major depressive episodes without manic episodes

Affects about 11% of Canadian adults at some point in their lives.

Question 5

List the features of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Answer 5

• Depressed mood
• Lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

Episodes must last at least two weeks and differ from grief or loss.

Question 6

What are some risk factors for Major Depressive Disorder?

Answer 6

• Age
• Socioeconomic status
• Marital status
• Gender (women nearly twice as likely as men)
• Ethnicity

These factors can influence the likelihood of developing MDD.

Question 7

True or false: Major Depressive Disorder can occur in children and adolescents.

Answer 7

TRUE

Clinical depression is found in children and adolescents, with specific prevalence rates.

Question 8

What is dysthymia?

Answer 8

Chronic low-grade depression lasting at least two years

Individuals feel helpless and have a dull outlook on life, often overlapping with Major Depression.

Question 9

What characterizes Bipolar I disorder?

Answer 9

Characterized by manic episodes and cycles of elated and depressed mood states

Episodes can last from a few weeks to several months.

Question 10

What is a manic episode?

Answer 10

Periods of unrealistically heightened euphoria, extreme restlessness, and excessive activity

Manic episodes are characterized by disorganized behavior and impaired judgment.

Question 11

What is the Cognitive Triad of Depression according to Aaron Beck?

Answer 11

• Negative views of oneself
• Negative views of the world
• Negative views of the future

This triad is central to understanding cognitive distortions in depression.

Question 12

What are some biological factors associated with Major Depressive Disorder?

Answer 12

• Genetic factors (moderately heritable)
• Biochemical factors (neurotransmitter imbalances)
• Brain abnormalities (prefrontal cortex, temporal and limbic system)

These factors contribute to the development of mood disorders.

Question 13

What is psychotic depression?

Answer 13

Major Depressive Disorder with delusions and psychosis

It often includes self-persecutory delusions and hallucinations.

Question 14

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Answer 14

A type of Major Depressive Disorder that occurs during winter months

Symptoms include fatigue, excessive sleep, and craving for carbohydrates.

Question 15

What is the estimated lifetime prevalence of Bipolar I disorder in Canada?

Answer 15

0.87%

Bipolar II disorder has a prevalence of 0.57%.

Question 16

What are the risk factors for suicide?

Answer 16

• 10% of men and 13% of women contemplated suicide
• 2% of men and 6% of women attempted suicide
• Higher rates in middle-aged and elderly men

Suicide is a significant concern among various age groups.

Question 17

What is the role of stress in depression?

Answer 17

Stressful life events may contribute to depression

Depressive symptoms can also lead to additional stressors, such as divorce or job loss.

Question 18

What is learned helplessness theory?

Answer 18

People learn to view themselves as helpless to control reinforcements in their environments

This theory explains a vulnerability to depression.

Question 19

What is Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)?

Answer 19

A brief, psychodynamic form of therapy focusing on resolving interpersonal problems

It aims to address issues that contribute to mood disorders.

Question 20

What is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 19 years in Canada?

Answer 20

Suicide

Suicide is uncommon among children under the age of 10.

Question 21

Girls are three times more likely than boys to __________.

Answer 21

attempt suicide

However, boys are more likely to succeed in their attempts.

Question 22

Youth in late adolescence or early adulthood (ages 15 to 24) are at greater risk than __________.

Answer 22

younger adolescents

This age group shows a higher incidence of suicidal behavior.

Question 23

The suicide rate for Canadian First Nations youth is how many times higher than the national average?

Answer 23

five to seven times

This highlights significant disparities in mental health outcomes.

Question 24

What percentage of adolescents who attempt suicide are considered repeaters?

Answer 24

a quarter

Previous suicidal behavior is a significant risk factor.

Question 25

Family problems are present among about **75%** of adolescent suicide attempters. True or False?

Answer 25

TRUE ## Footnote Family issues are a critical risk factor in youth suicide.

Question 26

Many suicides among young people are directly preceded by __________.

Answer 26

stressful or traumatic events ## Footnote Examples include breakups, unwanted pregnancies, and school problems.

Question 27

What role does **substance abuse** play in adolescent suicide risk?

Answer 27

addiction in the adolescent’s family or by the adolescent ## Footnote Substance abuse is a significant contributing factor.

Question 28

Adolescent suicides sometimes occur in **clusters** due to __________.

Answer 28

social contagion ## Footnote This phenomenon is often exacerbated by widespread publicity of suicides.

Question 29

Men are **three times more likely** to die by suicide than women. True or False?

Answer 29

TRUE ## Footnote This statistic highlights gender disparities in suicide rates.

Question 30

Suicide rates are higher among which populations?

Answer 30

* Indigenous populations * Elderly people ## Footnote These groups face unique risk factors.

Question 31

Suicide is associated with which **psychological disorders**?

Answer 31

* Major depression * Bipolar disorder * Alcoholism * Drug dependence * Schizophrenia * Personality disorders ## Footnote These disorders significantly increase suicide risk.

Question 32

Suicide attempts often occur following highly __________ life events.

Answer 32

stressful ## Footnote Stressful events can trigger suicidal thoughts and actions.

Question 33

What is an important predictor of suicidal thinking and behavior?

Answer 33

hopelessness ## Footnote Evidence suggests that hopelessness contributes significantly to suicide risk.

Question 34

What percentage of people who died by suicide had left clear clues?

Answer 34

90% ## Footnote Clues may include disposing of possessions or drafting a will.

Question 35

List the first three steps in **suicide prevention**.

Answer 35

* Draw the person out * Be sympathetic * Suggest that means other than suicide can be discovered ## Footnote These steps are crucial in supporting someone in crisis.

Question 36

What should you propose to a suicidal person to help them seek help?

Answer 36

accompany you to see a professional ## Footnote Immediate support can be vital in crisis situations.

Question 37

What should you avoid saying to a suicidal person?

Answer 37

You're talking crazy ## Footnote Degrading comments can worsen the situation.

Question 38

Should you press a suicidal person to contact specific people such as parents or a spouse?

Answer 38

No ## Footnote This can create additional pressure and may not be helpful.