Chapter 96. Types of Mood Disorders

Learning Objectives

bipolar disorder
a psychological disorder characterized by dramatic mood swings from mania to deep depression
major depressive disorder
a psychological disorder involving persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness, usually accompanied by loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
cyclothymic disorder
a psychological disorder involving repetitive mood swings in both directions, but not as severe as bipolar disorder
mania
a symptom of bipolar disorder; characterized by a dramatically elevated mood
depression
extreme mood swing in a negative direction, accompanied by feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness
mood disorders
a group of psychological disorders in which the main symptom is a dramatic and persistent shift in a person’s mood and energy level
dysthymic disorder
a psychological disorder involving a persistent mood swing in a negative direction, but not as severe as major depressive disorder; also called persistent depressive disorder
psychological disorder
a disturbance in a person’s thinking, behavior, or emotions serious enough to cause distress
Types of Mood Disorders
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Learning Objectives:

Describe the symptoms of the major types of mood disorders.

Classify the type of disorder illustrated by individual cases.

Review

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1. Everyone has mild mood swings that are normal emotional reactions to the events of the day or week. But if a mood swing becomes extreme and disrupts the person’s ability to function in life, it might be classified as a psychological disorder. An extremely negative mood would be considered depression, while an extremely positive mood is called mania.

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2. There are two basic forms of mood disorders: major depressive disorder (extreme mood swings only in the negative direction) and bipolar disorder (extreme mood swings in both directions).

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3. In major depressive disorder, a person experiences a deeply depressed mood for two weeks or more, usually accompanied by feelings of worthlessness, sleep disturbances, a loss of energy and appetite, and a loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities.

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4. In contrast, a person with bipolar disorder alternates between periods of depression and mania. The manic phase is a strikingly elevated mood (intense feelings of happiness, optimism, and enthusiasm) that lasts for several days or more, usually accompanied by a powerful urge to talk (fast and loud), a whirlwind of restless and reckless behavior, thoughts that jump from one idea to the next, and a decreased need for sleep.

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5. There are also two less-disruptive mood disorders. One is a milder version of major depressive disorder. A person who experiences mild, persistent depression would be diagnosed as having dysthymic disorder (also called persistent depressive disorder). This can last up to several years.

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6. A milder form of bipolar disorder is called cyclothymic disorder. A person with this disorder has relatively mild periods of mania alternating with mild periods of depression. Some well-known artists, musicians, and novelists have created their masterworks during bursts of manic energy.

Practice: Exploring Mood Disorders

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Practice: Exploring Mood Disorders

Roll over each graph to view a description of that type of mood disorder.

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Photo: Depressed teenager sitting lonely outdoors
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Major depressive disorder: two or more weeks of significantly depressed moods, feelings of worthlessness, and loss of interest in pleasurable activities

Bipolar disorder: alternating between the hopelessness of depression and the overexcited state of mania

Dysthymic disorder: persistent mild depression that can last for several years

Cyclothymic disorder: alternating between mild manic episodes and relatively mild periods of depression

Quiz 1

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Quiz 1

Select the best option to complete this sentence. Then, select the CHECK ANSWER button.

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CASE 1: Khalil

Khalil is a 29-year-old mechanic. For several years, he owned and operated his own auto repair shop, but it turned into a financial disaster. About six months ago, he had to close the shop and take a temporary job as a janitor. He reports that he now feels like a failure and is ashamed to be seen in public. He has persistent feelings of worthlessness and inferiority, and doesn't see any hope for the future. He has broken off his engagement because of his financial problems and his pessimism about his future prospects.

However, he still frequently visits the home of his younger brother, and seems to be able to enjoy himself in the company of a small group of family members and friends who accept him. When he is alone, his feelings of failure well up inside him again. He reports that he spends most of his free time in his basement, cleaning his tools and staring aimlessly at the walls, and he sometimes thinks about ending his life so that he won’t bring further shame upon his family.

Khalil has symptoms of depression, but they are relatively mild and have persisted for several years. Select the NEXT button and move to Quiz 2.
Try to answer the question again.
Based on Khalil’s history and current symptoms, he would probably be diagnosed as having a __________ disorder.
major depressive
bipolar
dysthymic
cyclothymic

Quiz 2

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Quiz 2

Select the best option to complete this sentence. Then, select the CHECK ANSWER button.

Photo: Unhappy mid adult man sitting on bed with head
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CASE 2: Dennis

Dennis is 35 and currently unemployed. He had been a hyperactive child with a history of impulsive behavior in the classroom. After high school, he held a series of jobs selling cars, then insurance, and finally office furniture. In each of these jobs, he had some initial success (in one case, he was promoted twice in the first few months), which was followed by a period of erratic performance and eventual termination by his employers.

The pattern was always the same: Almost overnight, Dennis changed from a warm, personable salesman to a boisterous braggart who antagonized his customers and coworkers with loud, non-stop talking. He would go without sleep for days at a time, showing up at the office at all hours of the day or night, spending the company’s money on wild schemes and extra supplies to handle the anticipated "explosion" in sales (which never occurred). During these periods, Dennis’s family could do little to control his energy and irrational optimism. Typically, after a few weeks, Dennis’s energy suddenly evaporated, leaving him listless and apathetic, and unable to continue his job.

Dennis has serious mood swings that alternate between mania and deep depression. Select the NEXT button and move to Quiz 3.
Try to answer the question again.
Based on Dennis’s history and current symptoms, he would probably be diagnosed as having a __________ disorder.
major depressive
bipolar
dysthymic
cyclothymic

Quiz 3

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Quiz 3

Select the best option to complete this sentence. Then, select the CHECK ANSWER button.

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CASE 3: Cheryl

Cheryl is 42 years old and had been employed as a part-time accountant for the past ten years. Cheryl describes her childhood as unhappy, and says, "Things just got worse as I grew up." Until recently, Cheryl was able to function normally in her job and in her family responsibilities. But over the past year, her family has become very concerned about disturbances in her behavior. For at least a month, she has withdrawn from family life, staying in bed for days at a time, refusing to cook or eat or go to work.

She has lost weight and claims to have no energy or desire to do anything. She weeps frequently and for no apparent reason. She went through a similar episode about seven months ago, but she snapped out of it after a few weeks. Although her employer was supportive during that first episode, after several weeks of this latest display of erratic behavior, the company fired Cheryl. That was four days ago. She has not bathed since that time, and she rarely leaves her room or talks to family members. When she does, she walks and talks very slowly.

Cheryl has serious symptoms of depression that have lasted more than two weeks. Select the NEXT button and move to the Conclusion.
Try to answer the question again.
Based on Cheryl’s history and current symptoms, she would probably be diagnosed as having a __________ disorder.
major depressive
bipolar
dysthymic
cyclothymic

Conclusion

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