1. PS 440 – Abnormal Psychology
Instructor: Sara Barnett
Unit 6

2. Warm-Up Question What do you know about depression?
What role has depression played in your life?

3. Agenda
Announcements
Background on Mood Disorders/Specific Mood Disorders
Types of Suicide
Famous People with Mood Disorders
Questions, Comments, Reflections

4. Announcements
Looking ahead – Unit 7 Project - Case study analysis with regard to environmental influences, and psychosocial treatments; * You will use the same case study

5. Background on Mood Disorders
Nearly 10% of Americans are affected by mood disorders (at given time)
Approx. 50% of those who suffer from a mood disorder receive treatment in a healthcare setting
Highly co-morbid with anxiety/anxiety disorders
Examples: Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Post-partum Depression, Etc.

6. Background on Mood Disorders
Etiology of Mood Disorders
The Biological: Strong influence of neurobiological factors that influence mood disorders; For example: when serotonin is low, mood disorders may arise; The endocrine system also plays a role, in cases of elevated levels of cortisol
The Environmental/Psychological: Strong influence of life stressors and tragedies; Strong influence of learned behaviors

7. Background on Mood Disorders
Cultural Factors that Impact Mood Disorders
Age: Children, particularly boys, many times show anger versus sadness; elderly disproportionately depressed
Gender: Higher prevalence among females
Race: Higher prevalence among Whites as compared to Blacks and Hispanics; Even higher prevalence among Native American population
Source: shtml

8. Background on Mood Disorders
What is the proposed link between mood disorders, lack of control, and the higher prevalence of mood disorders among women v. men?
Why might the rate of depression be higher in individualistic versus collectivist societies?

9. Specific Mood Disorders
What is the difference between MDD and Dysthymia?
What is the difference between Mania and Hypomania?
What is the difference between Biploar I and Bipolar II?

10. Treatment for Mood Disorders
Traditional Talk Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Medications
- Antidepressants
- SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
Electroconvulsive Therapy

11. Types of Suicide
Altruistic suicide occurs when the victim kills her/himself to avoid shaming or dishonoring loved ones
Egoistic suicide is most common in the elderly and is often caused by a lack of social support systems in the victim’s life.
Anomic suicide is tied to a major life stressor or disruption, such as the loss of job or the dissolution of a marriage or relationship
Fatalistic suicide is implicated in individuals who feel a loss of control over their destiny.

12. Famous People with Mood Disorders
 Richard Dreyfuss (bipolar)   
 Harrison Ford  (depression)
 Abraham Lincoln (depression)
Ben Stiller (bipolar)
Carrie Fisher   (bipolar; substance abuse)
Billy Joel  (depression; substance abuse (suicidal tend.))
Boris Yeltsin  (depression; substance abuse)
Brooke Shields   (post-partum depression)  
Buzz Aldrin (depression; substance abuse)
Drew Carey (depression (suicidal tend.))
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13. Questions, Comments, Reflections
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