Abnormal Psychology Mood Disorders

The symptoms mentioned, such as intense sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and withdrawal, are all characteristic of depression. Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. It is important to seek professional help if experiencing these symptoms, as depression can be a serious condition that requires treatment.

The given correct answer suggests that genetic factors and biochemical factors play a significant role in mood disorders. It explains that mood disorders tend to run in families, indicating a genetic influence. It also states that genetic factors can influence the amount of neurotransmitters in the synapses, and imbalances in neurotransmitters like nor-epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin can lead to depression or mania. Additionally, it mentions that an increase in REM sleep is linked to depression. Overall, the explanation highlights the biological perspective in understanding mood disorders.

The sociocultural explanation suggests that the expression of depression varies across different cultures. This can be attributed to factors such as stress and social support. Stress can trigger a person's predisposition to depression, with severe and chronic stress being more strongly linked to depression. Social support, on the other hand, can help counteract stress and prevent relapse. Additionally, the sociocultural explanation acknowledges that depression is more common among women than men, possibly due to societal factors such as the submissive nature of some women and the tendency for men to mask their depression with substance abuse and anger.

Mania is characterized by an elevated mood, expansiveness, irritability, and hyperactivity. These symptoms are commonly associated with mania, which is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. During a manic episode, individuals often experience an increased energy level, impulsivity, and a decreased need for sleep. This state is different from depression and mood disorders, as it specifically refers to the manic phase of bipolar disorder.

The given answer correctly identifies two categories under Bipolar Disorder. The first category includes Mania, which is characterized by periods of elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior, and Depression/Cyclothymia, which involves episodes of low mood, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness. The second category is Dysthymic Disorder/Major Depressive Disorder, which refers to chronic depression with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation. These two categories encompass the different mood states and patterns of Bipolar Disorder, providing a comprehensive understanding of the condition.

The given symptoms are characteristic of mania, which is a symptom of mood disorders. Mania is characterized by an elevated or irritable mood, impaired social and occupational functioning, uninhibited and impulsive behavior, pressured and accelerated speech, and decreased need for sleep with high levels of arousal. These symptoms are often seen in individuals with bipolar disorder, where they experience episodes of mania alternating with episodes of depression.

Mood disorders refer to disturbances in emotions that cause personal discomfort. This can include conditions such as depression and mania. These disorders are characterized by significant changes in mood, ranging from extreme sadness and hopelessness (depression) to excessive happiness and excitement (mania). People with mood disorders often experience difficulty in regulating their emotions, which can greatly impact their daily lives and overall well-being.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by the presence of both mania and depressive episodes in the same patient. Mania is a period of elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior, while depressive episodes involve feelings of sadness, low energy, and loss of interest. Dysthymic disorder refers to a chronic, milder form of depression, while cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder with less severe mood swings. Therefore, the correct answer is Bipolar.

Physiological symptoms refer to physical changes or sensations that occur in the body. In this case, the loss or gain of appetite and weight, constipation, sleep disturbance, and loss of sexual desire are all examples of physiological symptoms. These symptoms can be caused by various factors such as hormonal imbalances, medication side effects, or underlying medical conditions. It is important to address these symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary, as they can significantly impact a person's overall well-being and quality of life.

Mood disorders are classified into two main categories: depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Depressive disorders include conditions such as major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder, which are characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. On the other hand, bipolar disorders involve periods of depression alternating with periods of mania or elevated mood. These disorders can cause significant impairment in daily functioning and require proper diagnosis and treatment for effective management.

Depressive Disorders are divided into two main categories: Major Depressive Disorder and Dysthymic Disorder. Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by episodes of severe depression that last for at least two weeks, causing significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Dysthymic Disorder, on the other hand, is a milder but chronic form of depression, with symptoms lasting for at least two years. Therefore, the correct answer is Major Depressive Disorder/Dysthymic Disorder, as these are the specific classifications of Depressive Disorders.

Affective symptoms refer to emotional experiences that individuals may have, such as sadness, unhappiness, a "blue mood," and apathy. These symptoms are related to one's mood and can impact their overall emotional well-being. They are subjective experiences that can vary in intensity and duration. Affective symptoms are often associated with mental health conditions such as depression and can affect a person's ability to function and engage in daily activities.

The given symptoms of depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and loss of weight are characteristic of Major Depressive Disorder. The absence of a history of manic disorder rules out Bipolar Disorder. Additionally, the mention of "single episode or recurrent episodes" aligns with Major Depressive Disorder, as it can manifest in either form. Therefore, the correct answer is Major Depressive Disorder.

Learned helplessness refers to a phenomenon where individuals develop a belief that they have no control over their circumstances, leading to feelings of helplessness and passivity. According to Seligman, this belief is learned when one's actions consistently have no effect on the environment. This can result in the development of depression. The correct answer, "Learned Helplessness," aligns with Seligman's theory and explanation of how feelings of helplessness are acquired through learned experiences.

The psychoanalytic explanation suggests that depression is caused by separation and anger. According to this theory, the loss experienced through separation or death is significant in triggering depression. Additionally, the theory states that anger arises from feelings of being deserted or abandoned, and when this anger is directed towards oneself, it leads to depression. This explanation draws on Freudian psychoanalytic concepts, such as the unconscious mind and unresolved conflicts, to understand the underlying causes of depression.

The cognitive explanation suggests that low self-esteem is related to depression. According to Beck, depression is not primarily a disturbance of mood, but rather a disturbance of thinking. This means that individuals with depression have negative thought patterns and beliefs about themselves, which contribute to their low self-esteem. These negative thoughts and beliefs are often referred to as schemas, and they can set individuals up for depression. Therefore, the cognitive explanation provides a framework for understanding the relationship between low self-esteem and depression.

The given answer, "Behavioral symptoms," is the correct answer because it encompasses the mentioned symptoms of neglect of personal appearance, psychomotor retardation, agitation, and suicide gestures. Behavioral symptoms refer to observable actions or behaviors that can indicate a person's mental state or psychological condition. In this case, the mentioned symptoms are all behavioral in nature, highlighting the individual's actions or lack thereof, which can be indicative of a mental health issue or distress.

The learning explanation suggests that depression is caused by the separation or loss of a significant other, which leads to a reduction in reinforcement. This means that the individual no longer receives the positive experiences and rewards that they used to, leading to feelings of sadness and hopelessness. In order to overcome depression, the individual needs to learn new social behaviors that can elicit positive reinforcements and replace the lost ones. This explanation emphasizes the role of learning and environmental factors in the development and maintenance of depression.

Cognitive symptoms refer to the mental processes that are affected by a certain condition or disorder. In the context of the given symptoms, cognitive symptoms can be seen as the difficulties in concentration and making decisions. These symptoms can be associated with various mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. The feelings of pessimism, loss of interest and motivation, and ideas of guilt can also contribute to cognitive symptoms as they can impair one's ability to think clearly and focus. Overall, cognitive symptoms are characterized by the impact they have on a person's cognitive functioning and can significantly affect their daily life.

Dysthymic Disorder is the correct answer because it is characterized by low-grade depressed mood, feelings of pessimism or guilt, and loss of interest that lasts for an extended period of time, typically lasting for years. This is in contrast to Major Depressive Disorder, which is characterized by more severe depressive episodes that last for shorter periods of time. Bipolar Disorder involves alternating periods of depression and mania, which is not mentioned in the given symptoms.

Course Specifiers are used to describe specific features or patterns of a mental disorder that may vary over time. Seasonal mood changes and post-partum depression are examples of course specifiers as they refer to specific periods or events that can trigger mood changes or depressive symptoms. Cyclothymia and Depressive Disorders are not course specifiers, but rather specific types or categories of mood disorders.

Cyclothymia is a mood disorder characterized by persistent and chronic mood swings. Unlike bipolar disorder, which involves extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression), cyclothymia is marked by milder fluctuations in mood. People with cyclothymia may experience periods of elevated mood (hypomania) and periods of mild depression, but these symptoms are not as severe or long-lasting as those seen in bipolar disorder. Dysthymic disorder, on the other hand, is a chronic depressive disorder characterized by persistent low mood. Therefore, cyclothymia is the most appropriate answer as it aligns with the description provided.

The correct answer is "Symptoms of Depression." Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. Symptoms of depression can include affective symptoms such as sadness and irritability, cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and making decisions, behavioral symptoms such as social withdrawal and changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and physiological symptoms such as fatigue and changes in weight. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration, and a diagnosis of depression is typically made when these symptoms persist for at least two weeks and significantly impair daily functioning.