PSYC 235 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Major Depressive Episode, Postpartum Depression, Mood Disorder

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 235
• Professor: Christopher Bowie

Document Summary

Feelings of depression (and joy) are universal, which makes it all the more difficult to understand disorders of mood. Depressive disorders, affective disorders and depressive neuroses have been grouped under the heading mood disorders because they are characterized by gross deviations in mood. The fundamental experience of depression and mania contribute, either singly or together, to all the mood disorders. Major depressive episode the most commonly diagnosed and most severe depression. The episode is typically marked by a general loss of interest and of the inability to experience any pleasure (anhedonia) from life, including interactions with family/friends. The physical changes (sometimes call somatic or vegetative symptoms) are central to this disorder as they strongly indicate a full major depressive episode. Mania individuals find extreme pleasure in every activity by abnormally exaggerating joy or euphoria. They become extraordinarily active (hyperactive), requiring very little sleep, and may develop grandiose plans, believing they can accomplish anything they desire.