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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. Watch the Chapter Summary Prefer an audio-visual overview? Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture and watch the full Chapter 6 summary below. 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...

Understanding Psychological Disorders — Types, Causes, and Treatments Explained | Psychology Chapter 15 Summary This comprehensive summary of Chapter 15 from Principles of Psychology (13th Edition) by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall explores psychological disorders — syndromes involving significant disturbances in cognition, emotion, or behavior — and their classification, causes, and treatment. Watch the full YouTube podcast summary for an in-depth understanding of mental health disorders. Models and Classification The medical model views psychological disorders as illnesses with biological causes. The biopsychosocial approach considers biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences. The DSM-5 is the primary diagnostic manual, though labeling can sometimes lead to stigma or misdiagnosis. Anxiety Disorders Include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Causes...

Bipolar Disorder Medications Explained — Summary of Chapter 18 from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Bipolar disorder is one of the most complex mental health conditions to treat effectively. Chapter 18 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists offers an in-depth look at the pharmacological strategies used to manage bipolar symptoms—covering everything from gold-standard mood stabilizers to the controversy surrounding antidepressant use. In this detailed breakdown, we unpack the chapter’s key concepts, mechanisms, and clinical challenges so you can confidently understand how different medications work to stabilize mood and reduce relapse risk. 🎥 Watch the full video summary below to reinforce your learning: Understanding Mood Stabilizers The cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment is the use of mood stabilizers, particularly lithium . Lithium is often regarded as the gold standard due to its proven efficacy in preventing both manic and depressive episodes. H...

Antidepressants and Bipolar Disorder Treatments — Chapter 17 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Chapter 17 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists dives into two cornerstone areas of psychiatric treatment: antidepressant medications and bipolar disorder management. This episode breaks down the six major classes of antidepressants, reviews their mechanisms of action, and unpacks the challenges of side effects, treatment resistance, and risks in bipolar populations. For anyone navigating depression, bipolar disorder, or mood-related conditions, this chapter provides essential pharmacological insight. Watch the full summary above to learn how antidepressants and mood stabilizers are used in clinical settings, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more textbook-based podcast episodes. Antidepressants: Classes and Mechanisms This chapter outlines the six major types of antidepressants : SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): First-li...

Decoding Bipolar Disorders — Chapter 8 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Bipolar disorder is a multifaceted mood disorder that challenges even experienced clinicians. Chapter 8 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists explores the diagnostic intricacies, neurobiological foundations, and diverse treatment strategies for bipolar spectrum conditions. This chapter is essential for understanding the distinctions between bipolar I and II, how mixed states complicate care, and the pharmacological and therapeutic tools used to manage these conditions. Watch the full chapter breakdown above to learn how clinicians diagnose and treat various presentations of bipolar disorder. Don’t forget to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more in-depth, chapter-by-chapter insights. Understanding Bipolar I and II Chapter 8 begins by distinguishing bipolar I from bipolar II disorder . Bipolar I is marked by at least one full manic episode, which may or may not be accom...

Understanding Depressive Disorders — Chapter 7 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Depression is one of the most prevalent and complex mental health conditions, requiring careful diagnosis and individualized treatment. Chapter 7 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists provides a comprehensive overview of depressive disorders—from their biological foundations and differential diagnosis to therapeutic interventions. This chapter helps clinicians and students better understand the nuances of depression and how to treat it effectively. Watch the full chapter summary above to explore how clinicians diagnose and treat various depressive disorders. Don’t forget to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more chapter-by-chapter academic insights. Diagnosing Depression: Distinguishing the Subtypes Not all depression is the same. Chapter 7 begins by addressing the importance of differential diagnosis —distinguishing between reactive dysphoria , grief , and clin...

Childhood Depression and Bipolar Disorder — Chapter 10 Summary from Mash & Wolfe What do mood disorders look like in children and teens? Chapter 10 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash, David A. Wolfe, and Katherine Nguyen Williams examines depressive and bipolar disorders in youth, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment strategies. These disorders significantly impact emotional development, daily functioning, and long-term well-being. Understanding Depressive Disorders in Youth Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in children often presents differently than in adults. While persistent sadness is a hallmark, irritability frequently replaces sadness in youth. Other symptoms include anhedonia (loss of interest), fatigue, cognitive impairments, and social withdrawal. Risk factors range from genetic vulnerability and neurochemical imbalances to family conflict and early trauma. Persistent Depressive Disorder (P-DD) , also known as dysthymia, features chronic l...