Last Minute Lecture

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...

Dysfunctions, Mental Illness & Treatments — Neuroscience for Dummies Chapter 17 Summary Welcome to another Last Minute Lecture summary! In Chapter 17 of Neuroscience for Dummies (3rd Edition) , we explore the biological basis of mental illness and modern treatments for psychiatric conditions. This episode highlights how genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter imbalances, and environmental stressors interact to cause disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and OCD. We also cover key psychopharmacological treatments and brain stimulation therapies used to manage these conditions. What Causes Mental Illness? Mental disorders arise from a mix of genetic, neurochemical, and environmental influences . While neurotransmitters like dopamine , serotonin , and glutamate play a major role, the interaction with life stressors and trauma also shapes mental health outcomes. For example, depression is more than just low serotonin—it involves complex feedback loops and altered ...

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...