1
MOOD DISORDER AND BIPOLAR STUDY GUIDE LATEST UPDATE
Chapter 15: Mood Disorders - Depression
Overview of Depression
Depression is the most prevalent mental illness in medical and psychiatric
practice, significantly impacting individuals aged 14 to 44 (Lliades, 2015).
The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that depression will soon rank as
the second leading cause of lost healthy life years (Washington University, 2015).
The incidence of depression in the U.S. has risen from 3.33% in 1991 to 7.06% in
2002 (Lliades, 2015).
Women are 70% more likely than men to experience depression during their
lifetimes, highlighting gender disparities in mental health.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), or dysthymia, is characterized by chronic
depressive symptoms lasting at least two years, often leading individuals to
believe this is their normal state.
PDD can cause social and occupational distress but typically does not require
hospitalization unless suicidal tendencies arise.
Symptoms and Treatment of Depression
Common symptoms of depression include sleep disturbances, appetite changes,
fatigue, decreased sex drive, psychomotor agitation or retardation, and impaired
concentration.
Antidepressant medications, particularly SSRIs and SNRIs, are commonly
prescribed to alleviate symptoms, but caution is advised for elderly and pregnant
patients.
The MAOIs class of antidepressants requires dietary restrictions to avoid
hypertensive crises due to tyramine, emphasizing the importance of patient
education regarding food intake.
, 2
Target symptoms for treatment include diurnal mood variations, anhedonia, and
cognitive impairments, which can significantly affect daily functioning.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims to alter negative thought patterns
contributing to depression, focusing on identifying and testing negative cognitions
and developing alternative thinking.
The DSM-5 outlines prevalent symptoms across all types of depression, including
sadness, low self-esteem, irritability, and suicidal ideation.
Risk Factors for Depression
Key risk factors include a history of prior depressive episodes, family history of
depression, and a history of suicide attempts, particularly in first-degree relatives.
Demographic factors such as being female, age 40 or younger, and belonging to
the LGBT community are associated with higher depression rates.
Chronic medical illnesses and lack of social support can exacerbate depressive
symptoms, highlighting the need for comprehensive care.
Negative life events and substance abuse are significant contributors to the onset
and persistence of depression, necessitating integrated treatment approaches.
The postpartum period is a critical time for women, as hormonal changes and new
responsibilities can trigger depressive episodes.
Understanding these risk factors can aid in early identification and intervention
strategies.
Cognitive Theories of Depression
Aaron Beck's cognitive triad identifies three negative thought patterns that
contribute to depression: negative self-view, pessimistic worldview, and belief in
unchanging negative reinforcement.
Automatic negative thoughts are repetitive and uncontrollable, often leading to a
cycle of depression that is difficult to break without intervention.
MOOD DISORDER AND BIPOLAR STUDY GUIDE LATEST UPDATE
Chapter 15: Mood Disorders - Depression
Overview of Depression
Depression is the most prevalent mental illness in medical and psychiatric
practice, significantly impacting individuals aged 14 to 44 (Lliades, 2015).
The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that depression will soon rank as
the second leading cause of lost healthy life years (Washington University, 2015).
The incidence of depression in the U.S. has risen from 3.33% in 1991 to 7.06% in
2002 (Lliades, 2015).
Women are 70% more likely than men to experience depression during their
lifetimes, highlighting gender disparities in mental health.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), or dysthymia, is characterized by chronic
depressive symptoms lasting at least two years, often leading individuals to
believe this is their normal state.
PDD can cause social and occupational distress but typically does not require
hospitalization unless suicidal tendencies arise.
Symptoms and Treatment of Depression
Common symptoms of depression include sleep disturbances, appetite changes,
fatigue, decreased sex drive, psychomotor agitation or retardation, and impaired
concentration.
Antidepressant medications, particularly SSRIs and SNRIs, are commonly
prescribed to alleviate symptoms, but caution is advised for elderly and pregnant
patients.
The MAOIs class of antidepressants requires dietary restrictions to avoid
hypertensive crises due to tyramine, emphasizing the importance of patient
education regarding food intake.
, 2
Target symptoms for treatment include diurnal mood variations, anhedonia, and
cognitive impairments, which can significantly affect daily functioning.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims to alter negative thought patterns
contributing to depression, focusing on identifying and testing negative cognitions
and developing alternative thinking.
The DSM-5 outlines prevalent symptoms across all types of depression, including
sadness, low self-esteem, irritability, and suicidal ideation.
Risk Factors for Depression
Key risk factors include a history of prior depressive episodes, family history of
depression, and a history of suicide attempts, particularly in first-degree relatives.
Demographic factors such as being female, age 40 or younger, and belonging to
the LGBT community are associated with higher depression rates.
Chronic medical illnesses and lack of social support can exacerbate depressive
symptoms, highlighting the need for comprehensive care.
Negative life events and substance abuse are significant contributors to the onset
and persistence of depression, necessitating integrated treatment approaches.
The postpartum period is a critical time for women, as hormonal changes and new
responsibilities can trigger depressive episodes.
Understanding these risk factors can aid in early identification and intervention
strategies.
Cognitive Theories of Depression
Aaron Beck's cognitive triad identifies three negative thought patterns that
contribute to depression: negative self-view, pessimistic worldview, and belief in
unchanging negative reinforcement.
Automatic negative thoughts are repetitive and uncontrollable, often leading to a
cycle of depression that is difficult to break without intervention.
