Definition
Unipolar disorders (depression) manifest the emotional mood of the patient, which can be either elation or depression. Out these two mood states individual need to suffer from one.
One of the grand behavioral differences between manic and depressed patients.
The manic patients may become hostile
but rarely kills anyone or self.
Introduction
The continuum of behavioural response
has two extremes i.e., mania and depression (UD episodes). The individual being
diagnosed with UD needs to manifest the symptoms of either of the extremes. In
unipolar disorder the reactions (manic or depressive) of the individual tends
to be episodic and relatively for brief period of time. Interestingly, at the
end of the episodes the individual regains normalcy. The frequency of occurrence
manic episodes is more than the depressive episodes. The individual who suffers
from manic type unipolar disorder (UD) tends to have more manic episodes than
depressive state.
Characteristics
of UD Episodes
In unipolar disorder the individual
suffers either from the two i.e. Manic reactions or Depressive reactions.
Manic
reactions characteristics –
(i) Excessive feelings of optimism and
elation with unbounded energy and enthusiasm.
(ii) Impaired concentration & judgment.
(iii) Fast shifting of thought process from one
topic to another.
(iv) Extremely impatient and have lowered
behavioural restraints.
(v) Delusions of grandeur are common with
extravagant plans.
Depressive
reactions characteristics
(i) Feeling of profound sadness &
loneliness.
(ii) Perceives everything as joyless and dark.
(iii) Have feeling of extreme emptiness.
(iv) Negativism prevails in thoughts and
expectations.
(v) Self-accusatory (e.g., committed immoral
acts) and hypochondriacal delusions are common.
(vi) Regards himself as worthless and unfit to live
therefore have strong suicide ideation.
(vii) Feels to have incurable disease which is
destroying internal organs.
Types
of UD Episodes
Mania
(Hypomania, Acute mania and Delirious mania).
Depression
(Simple depression, Acute depression, Depressive depression).
Diagnostic
Criterion
Manic
state
The persistent, elevated, expansive,
or irritable mood and goal-directed activity lasting at least 1 week and
present most of the day, nearly every day. The three (or more) of the following
symptoms are present to a significant degree.
1. Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
2. Decreased need for sleep.
3. More talkative than usual.
4. Distractibility.
5. Increase in goal-directed activity.
6.
Excessive involvement in activities
that have a high potential for painful consequences.
Depressive
state
Five (or more) of the following
symptoms have been present during the 2-week period
1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly
every day, or observation made by others.
2. Diminished interest or pleasure in all
activities, nearly every day.
3. Significant weight loss or weight gain
(e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month).
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
5. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every
day.
6. Feelings of worthlessness or
inappropriate guilt (delusional).
7. Diminished ability to think or
concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.
8. Recurrent thoughts of death and recurrent
suicidal ideation.
Treatment
The appropriate Medication and
Behavioural therapy jointly can cure this mental illness.
(i) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (modification
of maladaptive cognitions).
(ii) Medications.
(iii) Yoga.
(iv) Relaxation techniques (breathing exercises,
relaxation strategies, and meditation practice).
(iv) Combination of Psychotherapy, medications, and
relaxation techniques.
References:
1. Coleman, C. J. (1988). Abnormal
psychology and modern life. Bombay, India: D. B. Taraporevala Sons & Co.
2. NCERT. (XII). Psychology Book.
3. DSM V Manual. Published by APA.
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