Mood Disorders Notes

This comprehensive guide is designed for B.A./M.A. Psychology students, providing structured insights into the theoretical and clinical frameworks of Abnormal Psychology. It simplifies complex diagnostic systems and multi-faceted aetiological models into accessible formats, bridging the gap between academic theory and clinical evaluation for exam preparation.

Core Topics Covered:

1. Conceptual Foundations of Mood: Exploration of the nature and definition of mood versus affect, establishing the clinical boundaries of emotional regulation.
2. Clinical Picture of MDD: Precise breakdown of the nine DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, including key symptom domains across emotional, motivational, cognitive, and psychomotor/somatic manifestations.
3. Subtypes & Diagnostic Specifiers: Detailed examination of clinical variants, including Melancholic, Atypical, Psychotic, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), alongside Peripartum (Postnatal) onset considerations.
4. Multifactorial Aetiology: Comprehensive analysis of genetic vulnerabilities (twin and adoption data), the evolution of the Monoamine Hypothesis, HPA-axis/cortisol dysregulation, and neuroanatomical connectivity findings.
5. Psychological & Social Frameworks: In-depth coverage of Beck's Cognitive Triad, Seligman’s Learned Helplessness (and its attributional reformulation), Lewinsohn's Behavioural Model, and Brown & Harris's social vulnerability factors.
6. Integrated Treatment Modalities: Review of biological interventions (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, modern ECT, and TMS) paired with evidence-based psychological therapies like CBT, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Behavioural Activation.