...Diagnosis: Major depressive disorder (MDD) Treatment: Sequence Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) Justification for Diagnosis: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by the presence of five symptoms of the disorder appearing for a two week period and for there to be a change from previous normal mood. It must also be accompanied by depressed mood or loss of interest in activities. The case study gives insight from Gary saying he has felt sad “all the time” since the past month and this is supported by his son, whom states Cary has “not been himself” in recent months. These signs are indicative of a change in Gary’s regular demeanour as described by his son and also the symptom of MDD that includes experiencing depressed mood for nearly every day for more than a two week period...
Words: 600 - Pages: 3
...reviews concepts of depression, including history and classification. The original broad concept of melancholia included all forms of quiet insanity. The term depression began to appear in the nineteenth century, as did the modern concept of affective disorders, with the core disturbance now viewed as one of mood. The 1980s saw the introduction of defined criteria into official diagnostic schemes. The modern separation into unipolar and bipolar disorder was introduced following empirical research by Angst and Perris in the 1960s. The partially overlapping distinctions between psychotic and neurotic depression, and between endogenous and reactive depression, started to generate debate in the 1920s, with considerable multivariate research in the 1960s. The symptom element in endogenous depression currently survives in melancholia or somatic syndrome. Life stress is common in various depressive pictures. Dysthymia, a valuable diagnosis, represents a form of what was regarded earlier as neurotic depression. Other subtypes are also discussed. © 2008, LLS SAS rior to the late 19th century, although detailed systems of classification abounded, the main problem for psychiatric nosology was the establishment of the broad major disorders. Melancholia was recognized as early as the time of Hippocrates, and continued through Galenic medicine and medieval times. The earlier connotation of the term was very wide, and included all forms of quiet insanity. It was linked with the humoral theory...
Words: 8469 - Pages: 34
...As many as 19 million Americans million are affected by mood disorders ( The two main types of mood disorders are bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder which are described as disturbances in mood, behavior and emotion.“ Bipolar disorder is a complex disorder in which the core feature is pathological disturbance in mood ranging from extreme elation, or mania, to severe depression usually accompanied by disturbances in thinking and behavior, which may include psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations” (Craddock, Jones 1999). Major depressive disorder or unipolar depression is characterized by a consistent low mood and lack of interest in things typically enjoyed .A second classification of major depressive disorder, is dysthymic disorder which is a chronic but less severe form of major depression (John W. Santrock 2007). Also major depression has many subgroups including seasonal affect disorder and postpartum depression. While there are many treatment options for the symptoms of mood disorders and promising scientific research, much is still unknown about a disorder that affects so many lives. According to Dinsmoor, R. S. &ump; Odle, T. G. (2009), bipolar depression refers to a condition in which people experience two extremes in mood. The bipolar spectrum includes; bipolar I, bipolar 2, bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified) and cyclothymia and all are related to disturbances in mood but differ in severity of symptoms. They are differentiated by the...
Words: 1704 - Pages: 7
...their illness. Warning signs include symptoms such as: constant feeling of sadness, anxiety, and emptiness , a general feeling of pessimism, feelings of restlessness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, low energy or fatigue, disturbed sleep patterns, and in extreme cases suicidal thoughts. Many people are ashamed to ask for help because they are afraid of what other people might think. However, depression is a common illness for which there are many treatments. Types of Depression There are many different types of depression. Events in your life can trigger some, while others are caused by chemical changes in your brain. A few examples include: Major Depression, in which you feel depressed most of the time for most days of the week. Bipolar depression, in which you have high and low extremes. During the low phase, patients have the symptoms of major depression, while in the high phase they exhibit mania. Seasonal Affective disorder is a period of major depression that most often happens during winter, when you get less sunlight. Treatment is light therapy in which the patient sits in front of a special light for a period of time each day. Lastly, postpartum depression is when women have major depression in the weeks or months after childbirth. Antidepressant drugs can help. What Causes...
Words: 1224 - Pages: 5
...Bipolar Disorder Introduction Also known as manic-depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is defined as a psychological state in which a person experiences a mood disorder causing radical alterations in their moods which can vary from manic highs to depressive lows. Elevated levels of either manic and depression are some of the common experiences that are encountered by a person suffering from this order. During the course of this discussion we will look at some of the key aspects that influence the occurrence, causes, signs and symptoms and treatment of this disease. The term "bipolar disorders" already shows that it is not this is a common disease. The disease may be individually very different and take different courses. Always, however, the disease is usually in stages or episodes in which a certain mood prevails. There are two different episodes of illness, the manic episode or depressive episode and the high point or low phase. What is Bipolar Disorder? In the United States over two million people are diagnosed with the psychological problem of bipolar disorder. One of the major reasons behind the unprecedented rise of people suffering from the disorder is contributed by the complications that hinder correct and accurate diagnosis of the disease. It is mainly because of the delay in the diagnostic process that the number of people suffering from the disorder has increased extraordinarily...
Words: 3517 - Pages: 15
...Bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder, historically known as manic-depressive disorder, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or more depressive episodes. The elevated moods are clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes, or symptoms, or a mixed state in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time.[1] These events are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood; but, in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, which is known as rapid cycling. Severe manic episodes can sometimes lead to such psychotic symptoms as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum. Estimates of the lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder vary, with studies typically giving values of the order of 1%, with higher figures given in studies with looser definitions of the condition.[2] The onset of full symptoms generally occurs in late adolescence or young adulthood. Diagnosis is based on the person's self-reported experiences, as well as observed behavior. Episodes of abnormality are associated with...
Words: 530 - Pages: 3
...Bipolar Disorder: Research, Controversy and Treatment Abstract Bipolar disorders are mood disorders that include one or more manic or hypomanic episodes and usually one or more depressive episode. Although the exact explanation of the onset of this disorder is not known, there are several different theories the may apply. A considerable amount of research is now being conducted to identify causes for the mood disorders. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder has led to many controversies as to whether the disorder is misdiagnosed, overdiagnosed, or underdiagnosed. There are also many different treatment methods streaming from medications such as SSRI’s to electro-convulsive shock therapy (ECT). Bipolar Disorder: Research, Controversy and Treatment Bipolar disorder has been a mystery since the sixteenth century and can appear in almost anyone. Bipolar disorders are mood disorders that include one or more manic or hypomanic episodes and usually one or more depressive episode (Varcarolis). Between the elevated and depressed mood episodes, the person may experience long periods of a normal stable mood. There are many different symptoms of bipolar disorder and each person may or may not act the same way, therefore, bipolar disorder has been broken down into different subcategories of bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. Although the exact explanation of the onset of this disorder is not known, there are several different...
Words: 3074 - Pages: 13
...Bipolar Disorder Introduction Also known as manic-depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is defined as a psychological state in which a person experiences a mood disorder causing radical alterations in their moods which can vary from manic highs to depressive lows. Elevated levels of either manic and depression are some of the common experiences that are encountered by a person suffering from this order. During the course of this discussion we will look at some of the key aspects that influence the occurrence, causes, signs and symptoms and treatment of this disease. The term "bipolar disorders" already shows that it is not this is a common disease. The disease may be individually very different and take different courses. Always, however, the disease is usually in stages or episodes in which a certain mood prevails. There are two different episodes of illness, the manic episode or depressive episode and the high point or low phase. What is Bipolar Disorder? In the United States over two million people are diagnosed with the psychological problem of bipolar disorder. One of the major reasons behind the unprecedented rise of people suffering from the disorder is contributed by the complications that hinder correct and accurate diagnosis of the disease. It is mainly because of the delay in the diagnostic process that the number of people suffering from the disorder has increased extraordinarily...
Words: 3518 - Pages: 15
...A Look into Major Depressive Disorder Have you ever felt sad or helpless? Have you ever felt that your entire world was falling apart, and there was not anything that you could do to fix it? Unfortunately, this is the case for millions of people every day who suffer from major depression. Major depression can present itself in many forms, display various symptoms, and have different treatment options based on the individual’s level of depression. Although some do not consider major depression severe, it is a disease that can cripple and destroy one’s life if they do not receive adequate help. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder having a clinical course involving one or more episodes of severe psychological depression lasting two or more weeks each with no intervening episodes of mania (Major Depressive Disorder, n.d.). Major depression makes it almost impossible to sleep, eat, study, and enjoy the everyday joys in life. Major Depression can last for six months and range from mild to severe if not treated. A person suffering from major depression has a much shorter life span compared to people not suffering from depression (Major Depressive Disorder, 2013). This crippling disease often leads to cowardly actions by people suffering and they end up committing suicide due to frustration. Researchers have found that approximately 3.4% of suicidal cases in the United States are a result of depression. This is a major cause of concern in our society. ...
Words: 1704 - Pages: 7
...Bipolar Disorder Research Paper Evaluating Bipolar Disorder History of the Disorder Bipolar Disorder, formally known as “manic-depressive disorder,” is one of the oldest disorders that dates back to the second century. Aretaeus, who lived in the ancient city Cappadocia in Turkey, was the first to find and connect symptoms of mania and depression. Jules Farlet connected depression to suicide in 1854 and led to the term “Bipolar Disorder.” He found that moments of depression were linked to heightened moods and saw that there was a difference between this and simple depression. In 1875, these findings led to the term of “Manic-Depressive Psychosis.” He also later found a genetic link with this disorder. Francois Baillarger found and explained the depressive phase of the disorder and then received its own classification as a mental illness because of this finding. Emil Krapelin created the term manic-depressive after a study focusing on the how manic states effect depression. After fifteen years, the disorder was accepted and became a big theory of the 1930’s. An article, published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disorder in 1952, showed that there was a genetic link in the disorder and that there is a chance that manic depression can run in the family. The 1960’s saw many cases of people with the disorder that were being institutionalize and were barely helped because Congress refused to treat manic depression as an actual illness. The 1970’s saw laws and standards...
Words: 2188 - Pages: 9
...Criterion B and C task Bi Polar Disorder Bi polar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder and in the past as manic depressive illness is a disorder characterized by extreme swings in mood – varying from periods of elevated, overactive, excited behaviour – known as ‘mania’ or ‘hyponia – to periods of deep depression. However, in between these severe mood swings, there are stable periods. The amount of time during which you are stable varies depending on the severity of the disorder. The disorder is rather common, and one in every 100 adults are diagnosed with the condition at one point in their life. Although Bipolar disorders most often develop between the ages of 18 and 24, it is not restricted to that period of time, and can occur at any age. Individuals from all backgrounds are all equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. In the periods of Hypomania, Some people are prone to seeing or hearing things that others around them don't (visual or auditory hallucinations) or unusual, unshared, beliefs (known as delusions). During a period of mania a person suffering from this disorder feels or acts abnormally happy, energetic, or extremely irritable, they make ill-advised and poorly calculated decisions with little to no regards regard to the consequences. In addition, it sometimes causes them to be less aware of the bodies need, such as not feeling hunger, and the need for sleep is also reduced. During the ‘low’ periods of depression there may be crying...
Words: 1570 - Pages: 7
...Depression Brandy Morris Ashford University Severe Depression I. Severe depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by a persistent and pervasive low mood, which is accompanied by a loss of interest or pleasure and a low self-esteem in activities that are normally enjoyable. A. The severe disorder has been found to be a condition that is disabling and has profound effects on an individual's family, eating habits, sleeping, school life, or work. B. According to DSM-5, a manual used in examining mental health conditions, this condition is marked by moods that are depressed, and it may occur every day for about two weeks to a person. The symptoms may frequently be in the morning. II. It is believed that social, psychological, and biological factors play an active role in the cause of the severe disorder. This is according to biopsychological model. A. According to the diathesis-stress model, depression is as a result of diathesis or preexisting vulnerabilities that are activated by an event that is stressful (Adler,1956). This is according to Adler. Preexisting vulnerabilities, in this case, may refer to the genetic meaning interaction between nurture and nature, or schematic. B. Severe depression may be triggered by grief after losing a loved one through, divorce, death, or separation. Major challenges in life, feeling of being deprived or social isolation may be the cause of depression (Klein, Herron & Belcher, 2013). ...
Words: 1362 - Pages: 6
...The Bipolar Disorder Barbara Nelson Liberty University Abstract Those with bipolar disorders have changes in mood that effect energy and personality which are more severe than most individual have each day. These changes can cause difficulties with those at home or at where the individual is employed. Adults and children have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, often it is view as depression in children rather than bipolar disorder. If a family member is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it increases the chance of other family members to develop it. Suicidal behavior is common in those with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is treated with medication and psychotherapy for better outcome which is supported by research. By integrating treatment and spiritual integration, the individual with bipolar disorder can make gains in living a full life. . The Bipolar Disorder The condition of bipolar disorder is a mental...
Words: 4075 - Pages: 17
...Few people understand the word “depression, but it is used by many. It is important to be educated about depression, and to understand what it is, so that someone with depression will be able to cope in the future. In the case study, Tina was clearly depressed with so many life changing events going on in her life. Firstly, Tina is twenty-three years old, and she is separated from her husband of five years, which means she was married at the age of nineteen. Secondly, two companies employ her, so she is at work most of the time including weekends. The last four weeks and in the last two days, Tina has not shown up for work. Previously, Tina was an energetic, active healthy female who exercised three days a week at the gym, and now spends most of her time in her apartment. Tina has been losing weight, due to poor eating habits, therefore causing her movements to be slow and sluggish. Major Depressive Disorder in the DSM IV is determined by depressive episodes that last at least 2 weeks at which time a depressed mood is present or there is a loss of interest and or pleasure in the day-to-day activities, which Tina displays. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), depression is a type of mental disorder that disturbs a person’s mood. Seventeen million people are affected by depression each year in the United States. Depression leads to feeling sad and depressed for weeks or months at a time, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy, and taking...
Words: 1211 - Pages: 5
...Adolescence……………………………10. The impact of Culture on Adolescent Depression…………………………………………...10. Abnormal behaviours associated with Adolescent Depression….…………………………..11. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………...11. References…………………………………………………………………………………...12. DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS 3. This research paper will address depression in adolescents. Depression is often labelled as ‘the sickness of our time’ due to its prolific nature. Some of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of depression in adolescents as well as the contextualised issues, cultural implications and other abnormal behaviour associated with the disorder will be discussed. DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS 4. Background of Depression in Adolescence Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, a stage of major growth and development in which significant physiological, cognitive, psychological and behavioural changes take place. Understandably then, adolescence is a time of excitement and of anxiety; of happiness and of troubles; of discovery and of bewilderment; and of breaks with the past and yet of links with the future (Schmied & Tully, 2009). Research has revealed that depression is occurring earlier in life today than in past decades (NIMH, 2009). In addition,...
Words: 3461 - Pages: 14
