Depression

Depression Paper LeAnn Lawyer Axia College of University of Phoenix Abnormal Psychology: Abuse, Addiction, and Disorders PSY/270 Stacie Flynn October 31, 2010 Depression Paper Individuals often use the word depression to describe feeling sad, blue, or down on themselves. However, once it begins to interfere with the normal way of living it becomes a psychological disorder. An individual who has bouts of depression may have difficulty socializing, going to work, or feeling happy. People in depressive episodes are often tired, hopeless, and unable to concentrate, and they typically experience changes in their weight and sleep cycle (Comer, 2005). Depression and mania can affect not only those suffering from the disorders, but everyone around them. Depression and mania can include exhausting physical and mental symptoms. People can suffer from one or both of these disorders. Treatments are available that can improve the lives of those who suffer from them these disorders. Two types of mood disorders that individuals suffer from include unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder. Most people with a mood disorder suffer only from depression, has no history of mania, and they return to a normal or nearly normal mood when their depression leaves (Comer, 2005). Unipolar disorder, or unipolar depression, is sometimes classified as clinical depression or major depression (Bipolar Central, 2010). Patients, who suffer from this disorder, experience significant disruption in their work, social life, and family life. They no longer enjoy the things they used to do and may become withdrawn, hopeless, and overwhelmed. If severe unipolar disorder goes untreated, it can result in suicide, lost relationships, and lost jobs (Bipolar Central, 2010). The causes for unipolar disorder are not fully understood but they may be varied and can include disruption in neural circuits and neurochemicals in the brain, genetic predisposition, secondary disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder (Bipolar Central, 2010). Stressful events can also trigger episodes of unipolar disorders. Bipolar Central (2010) lists the following symptoms for unipolar disorder: ➢ Inability to concentrate or make decisions ➢ Apathetic or flat emotional behavior ➢ Irritability, nervousness, anxiety ➢ Decreased energy, feeling persistently fatigued ➢ Sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness ➢ Withdrawal from social and family activities ➢ Decreased sexual desire and activity ➢ Suicidal thoughts, talk of suicide or planning for suicide attempt ➢ Disturbance in eating or sleep habits, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping excessively Diagnosing unipolar disorder can be simple, but less severe cases of unipolar disorder may not be as easy. Between five and 10% of adults in the United States suffer from a severe unipolar pattern of depression in any given year, whereas another three to five percent suffer from mild forms (Comer, 2005). A major depressive episode is a period marked by at least five symptoms of depression and lasting for two weeks or more. In extreme cases, the episode may include psychotic symptoms, ones marked by a loss of contact with reality, such as delusions or hallucinations. Evidence from genetic and biochemical studies suggest that unipolar disorders have biological causes. Treatments for unipolar disorders include psychotherapy, antidepressants, and family or couples therapy. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy and hospitalization may become necessary (Bipolar Central, 2010). Effective biological treatments for unipolar depression are antidepressant drugs (MAO inhibitors, tricyclics, and second-generation antidepressants) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Psychodynamic therapists try to help persons with unipolar depression recognize and work through their losses and excessive dependence on others. Behavioral therapists try to reintroduce clients to activities that they once found pleasurable, reward non-depressive behaviors, and teach effective social skills. Cognitive therapy for depression helps clients increase their activities, challenge their automatic thoughts, identify their negative thinking, and change their maladaptive attitudes. Interpersonal psychotherapy addresses the interpersonal problem areas of depression. Couple therapy may also be of help when depression is tied to a troubled relationship. Individuals with a bipolar disorder experience both the lows of depression and the highs of mania, and they shift back and forth between extreme moods (Comer, 2005). Bipolar Disorder can significantly affect a patient's ability to function and may result in strained or broken relationships, poor job performance, and poor performance in school or group settings (Comer, 2005). In bipolar disorder, symptoms do not go away in a week or two, and if left untreated, the disorder can even result in suicide. Individuals with a family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental disorders seem more likely to suffer from a mental disorder, and specifically from depression or bipolar disorder (Bipolar Central, 2010). Other research indicates a chemical imbalance in the brain of the bipolar patient. In some patients, symptoms appear after a stressful event in the patient's life, such as the death of a spouse, a divorce, or the loss of a job. Some people survive these events without consequences, but for others, the event will trigger bipolar symptoms (Bipolar Central, 2010). The symptoms of both unipolar and bipolar disorders are almost identical, but the symptoms are more extreme in bipolar disorder. The only main difference is that there are two types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I is characterized by severe, debilitating symptoms with extreme episodes. Bipolar II is also called Hypomania. Bipolar II or Hypomanic episodes, and symptoms, are significantly less extreme than bipolar I behaviors (Bipolar Central, 2010). Bipolar disorder should be diagnosed by a psychiatrist, a specialist, equipped to recognize the symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is crucial because treatment usually includes medication (Bipolar Central, 2010). If the wrong medication is prescribed, symptoms may worsen, or side effects may occur. In children, bipolar is most frequently misdiagnosed as Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Depression (Bipolar Central, 2010). Treatments for bipolar disorder include medications, such as lithium, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), education and therapy for the patient and family, coping skills, psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Unipolar and bipolar disorders affect many individuals and their lives. Unipolar disorder is mainly focused on depression, whereas bipolar disorder is focused on the combination of mania and depression. Through medications and therapy, both of these disorders are controllable and treatable. Both of these disorders are serious, which is why individuals need to seek help before they can ruin not only their lives, but the lives of others as well. The treatment the individual may receive is no guarantee, but it can be effective in returning the individual back to a well-adjusted state of mind and living. References Bipolar Central. (2010). Bipolar and Unipolar Disorders. Retrieved October 27, 2010, from http://bipolarcentral.com Comer, R. J. (2005). Fundamentals of abnormal psychology (4th ed.). New York: Worth.