Chapter 5: Depressive Disorders

disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)

a relatively new diagnosis to the DSM that is included to capture children with frequent temper tantrums and irritability and to prevent the overdiagnosis of other closely related disorders such as bipolar disorder or oppositional defiant disorder

major depressive disorder

disorder that usually includes a dampening or lowering of mood lasting for more than a day or two, without a bounce back

anhedonia

an inability to experience pleasure or recall previously pleasurable experiences

vegetative features

the presence of physical changes seen in the depressive disorders

insomnia

an inability to sleep

hypersomnia

term that characterizes when one sleeps for an excessively long time

nihilism

term used to characterize a viewpoint that traditional values or beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless or useless

suicidal ideation

thoughts about killing oneself

persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

disorder characterized by a depressed mooed that occurs for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least two years (one year for children and adolescents)

somatic

term used to refer to physical symptoms

dysphoria

a state of feeling unhappy or unwell

affective liability

mood swings

cerebrovascular accident

the sudden death of some brain due to a lack of oxygen when blood flow to the brain is impaired by a blocked vein or artery; a stroke

euphoric

intense feelings of joy or elation

selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

the class of drugs that work by selectively blocking the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin in the brain

mixed reuptake inhibitors

a class of newer antidepressant medications that work by blocking reuptake of norepinephrine

MAO inhibitors

a class of antidepressant medications that work by blocking the enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin

tricyclic antidepressants

a class of antidepressant medications that seem to block the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, allowing them to collect in the synapse and desensitize or down-regulate the transmission of the particular transmitters

St. John's wort (hypericum)

a natural herbal extract taken for depression

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

a treatment procedure where an electric shock is administered directly through the brain for a very brief period of time, producing a seizure and a series of brief convulsions, used for major depressive disorder