Module 67 REVIEW

• 67-1 How do major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder differ?

• A person with major depressive disorder experiences at least five symptoms of depression (including either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure) for two or more weeks.
• A person with persistent depressive disorder experiences a mildly depressed mood more often than not for at least two years, as well as at least two symptoms of depression.
• A person with the less common condition of bipolar disorder experiences not only depression but also mania—episodes of hyperactive and wildly optimistic, impulsive behavior.

• 67-2 How can the biological and social-cognitive perspectives help us understand depressive disorders and bipolar disorder?

• The biological perspective on depression focuses on genetic predispositions and on abnormalities in brain structures and function (including those found in neurotransmitter systems).
• The social-cognitive perspective views depression as an ongoing cycle of stressful experiences (interpreted through negative beliefs, attributions, and memories, and intensified by rumination) leading to negative moods and actions and fueling new stressful experiences.
• Both biology and environment contribute to epigenetic effects, which may play a role in depression.

• 67-3 What factors increase the risk of suicide, and what do we know about nonsuicidal self-injury?

• Suicide rates differ by nation, race, gender, age group, income, religious involvement, marital status, and other factors. Gay, transgender, and gender nonconforming youth lacking social support are at increased risk, as are people who have been anxious or depressed.
• Day of the week, season, or social suggestion may play a role in suicide risk.
• Personal trauma, disconnection, or defeat can contribute to suicidal urges.
• Forewarnings of suicide may include verbal hints, giving away possessions, withdrawal, preoccupation with death, and discussing one’s own suicide.
• Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) does not usually lead to suicide but may escalate to suicidal thoughts and acts if untreated.
• People who engage in NSSI do not tolerate stress well and tend to be self-critical, with poor communication and problem-solving skills.

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. After spending several weeks barely able to get out of bed, Hatch finds himself with so much energy that he surprises his wife by painting the entire house in one day. Concerned, his wife brings him to the hospital, where the doctors diagnose him with
   1. suicidal thoughts.
   2. bipolar disorder.
   3. persistent depressive disorder.
   4. rumination.
   5. major depressive disorder.
2. Which of the following is true of depression?
   1. Depression usually develops during middle age.
   2. Depression usually happens without major cognitive or behavioral changes.
   3. A major depressive episode usually gets worse and worse unless it’s treated.
   4. True depression is usually not related to stress in one’s work or relationships.
   5. Compared with men, nearly twice as many women have been diagnosed with depression.
3. Concerning suicide,
   1. marijuana use is related to suicide, but alcohol use is not.
   2. women are more likely to attempt suicide than men.
   3. suicide is a bigger problem among the poor than among the rich.
   4. women are more likely to end their lives than men.
   5. married individuals are more likely to commit suicide than single people.
4. Based on brain scans of those with bipolar disorder, which of the following is true?
   1. The brain is more active during manic episodes and less active during depressive episodes.
   2. The brain is less active during manic episodes and more active during depressive episodes.
   3. There is no consistent relationship between brain activity and periods of mania or depression.
   4. The brain is more active than normal during both manic and depressive episodes.
   5. The brain is less active than normal during both manic and depressive episodes.
5. During depression, researchers have found
   1. reduced levels of serotonin.
   2. reduced levels of norepinephrine.
   3. reduced activity in the hypothalamus.
   1. I only.
   2. II only.
   3. III only.
   4. I & II only.
   5. I & III only.

Practice FRQs

1. Depression is often misunderstood as “sad” and mania is often misunderstood as “happy.” Provide two examples for each of these disordered behaviors that could help clarify this misunderstanding.

Answer

2 points: Depression examples could include any two behaviors that illustrate the following: a lack of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness, reduced energy levels, problems with sleep, and problems with appetite. Page 687

2 points: Mania examples could include any two behaviors that illustrate the following: little need for sleep, wildly increased energy levels, dangerous risk-taking, and extreme optimism. Page 687

2. Marty was dumped by his girlfriend and has developed depression. Explain Marty’s thinking about his situation using the following terms:
   • Learned helplessness
   • Rumination

(2 points)