Bipolar, Depressive, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Understanding bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders is crucial for students preparing for the AP Psychology exam. These mental health conditions, characterized by mood swings, persistent sadness, excessive worry, and repetitive behaviors, significantly impact individuals’ daily lives. Knowledge of these disorders includes their definitions, symptoms, and treatment methods, which encompass medications and therapies. Grasping these concepts aids in recognizing the biological, psychological, and social influences on mental health, providing a comprehensive foundation for the exam.
Learning Objectives
Learn the definitions, symptoms, and treatments of bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Focus on differentiating between the types of each disorder (e.g., Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II), recognizing the clinical symptoms, and knowing the therapeutic approaches, including medications and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Also, grasp the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to these disorders and how they impact daily functioning and overall mental health.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Types
- Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or by manic symptoms that are so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. Depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of Bipolar I Disorder.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: Periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents), but the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
Symptoms
- Mania/Hypomania:
- Elevated or irritable mood
- Increased activity or energy
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Talkativeness
- Racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Increased involvement in risky activities
- Depression:
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Treatment
- Medications: Mood stabilizers (lithium), antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and family therapy.
- Lifestyle: Regular routine, healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol or drugs.
Depressive Disorders
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in outside stimuli.
Symptoms
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities
- Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease/increase in appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Diminished ability to Critical Thinking or concentrate
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
A chronic form of depression where a person’s mood is regularly low, but symptoms are not as severe as those of major depression.
Symptoms
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Low energy or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Poor concentration or difficulty Decision Criteria
- Feelings of hopelessness
Treatment
- Medications: Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, MAOIs).
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT).
- Lifestyle: Regular exercise, balanced diet, good sleep hygiene, mindfulness practices.
Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.
Symptoms
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance
Panic Disorder
Characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks—sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort.
Symptoms
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Sensations of shortness of Breathing or smothering
- Feelings of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- Chills or heat sensations
- Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)
- Derealization or depersonalization
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder involves significant anxiety and discomfort about being embarrassed, humiliated, rejected, or looked down on in Social Communication.
Symptoms
- Intense fear of interacting with strangers
- Fear of situations where you may be judged
- Worrying about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Avoidance of social situations
- Intense fear of being observed by others
Treatment
- Medications: SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines.
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy.
- Lifestyle: Stress management techniques, regular Physical Health, adequate sleep, mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that trigger distressing feelings, often followed by repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing the distress.
Symptoms
- Obsessions:
- Fear of contamination
- Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, and harm
- Aggressive thoughts towards others or self
- Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order
- Compulsions:
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing can be addressed effectively with a comprehensive cleaning service proposal tailored to individual needs.
- Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way
- Repeatedly checking on things, such as ensuring that the door is locked or the oven is off
- Compulsive counting
Treatment
- Medications: SSRIs, clomipramine.
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP).
- Lifestyle: Stress reduction techniques, maintaining a structured routine, support groups.