Learning Objectives

Chapter 8

  • Evaluate the impact of depression from a number of perspectives:
    • Worldwide prevalence
    • Lifetime prevalence
    • Gender prevalence
    • Costs to economy, society, family, and individual
    • Other psychological disorders
  • Identify some of the factors related to depression in adolescents. Compare how they are the same or different in children.
  • Define the "negative cognitive triad" and its role in the cognitive model of depression.
  • Answer the question of whether depression runs in families. Cite evidence to support your answer.
  • Discuss the three questions any theory that takes an evolutionary perspective to why depression exists need to address.
  • List the three specific approaches that have been taken to try to reduce the risk of relapse in depression.
  • State the primary classes of antidepressant medications. Describe how each works and what the advantages and disadvantages of each are.
  • Predict in what situations each of the following techniques is most effective in treating depression. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of each.
    • ECT
    • VNS
    • TMS
  • Considering the three psychological therapy approaches—dynamic, cognitive behavioral, and existential-humanistic-evaluate the primary focus of the therapy in regard to depression and describe what course the therapy typically follows in providing an effective treatment.
  • Describe the changes in mood for individuals with bipolar disorders.
  • State the important diagnostic criteria for bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.
  • Cite evidence for the role that the following factors play in the development of bipolar disorder:
    • Genetic factors
    • Brain processes
    • Neurotransmitter dysregulation
    • Environmental factors
  • Cite evidence to show that mental illness is related to suicide.
  • Describe the cultural and gender differences that are associated with suicide, as well as the short-term and long-term factors related to suicide.
  • Propose some warning signs would you look for in a friend if you were concerned about suicide.