Understanding & Treating Mood Disorders — Causes, Symptoms, and Evidence-Based Treatments | Chapter 6 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology

Mood disorders involve profound disturbances in emotional states, from the depths of depression to the highs of mania. In Chapter 6 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, you’ll learn how unipolar and bipolar disorders are defined, what factors contribute to their development, and which treatments have the strongest evidence for effectiveness. This guide will help you master key concepts and prepare for exams.

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Defining Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are classified as unipolar (depression only) or bipolar (alternating depressive and manic episodes). Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) features at least two weeks of low mood, anhedonia, cognitive impairment, and physical symptoms. Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) is a chronic, milder form lasting two years or more. Bipolar I involves full mania and depression, while Bipolar II includes hypomania and depression. Cyclothymic Disorder is a chronic, mild bipolar variation.

Key Causes of Mood Disorders

• Genetic & Biological Factors: High heritability; neurotransmitter dysregulation (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine); HPA-axis overactivity linked to stress response.
• Psychological Factors: Stressful life events; Beck’s cognitive triad (negative views of self, world, future); learned helplessness; maladaptive coping.
• Social & Cultural Influences: Gender differences in prevalence; lack of social support; cultural norms affecting emotional expression and help-seeking.

Treatment Approaches

Psychotherapy

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenges negative thoughts and builds behavioral activation.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Resolves relationship conflicts contributing to depression.
• Behavioral Activation: Encourages engagement in rewarding activities to counteract withdrawal.

Medication

• SSRIs: First-line antidepressants that increase serotonin availability.
• Mood Stabilizers: Lithium and anticonvulsants regulate mood swings in bipolar disorder.

Biological Treatments

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Highly effective for severe, treatment-resistant depression.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Noninvasive stimulation of cortical regions to alleviate depressive symptoms.

Suicide and Mood Disorders

Suicidal ideation and behaviors are significant risks in MDD and bipolar disorders. Risk factors include prior attempts, hopelessness, family history, impulsivity, and access to lethal means. Prevention strategies encompass crisis hotlines, safety planning, therapy, social support, and reducing access to means.

Conclusion: A Holistic Treatment Framework

Effective care for mood disorders integrates biological, psychological, and social interventions tailored to each patient’s profile. Understanding these multifaceted causes and treatments will strengthen your clinical reasoning and exam readiness.

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