Mood Disorders and Depression

Term Paper # 99495

Medical and Health
Psychology > Disorders

This paper looks at numerous studies on mood disorders and depression.

1,134 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper examines a study on why adverse life events result in depression only in some individuals, a study on whether genetics has any association with the onset of depression following stressful life events, and a study on the treatment of major depressive disorders. The paper also discusses studies on the topics of bipolar disorder and recovery time from adverse life events, the variables that affect depression, recurring depression and finally, circadian rhythms and their affect on the mental processes of human beings.

Outline:
Introduction
Life Events and Depression
Stressful Life Events and Major Depression
Treatment of Major Depressive Disorders
Bipolar Disorder and Depression
Variables of Depression
Recurring Depression
Alcohol and Anxiety
Circadian Rhythms
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The researchers studied individuals that had suffered from depression after a significant life event and those that had not. It was determined that the impact of adverse life events on people is dependent on two factors. First, that the event be associated with "adverse interpersonal events" rather than "adverse achievement events". Adverse interpersonal events are related to death of a close family member, while adverse achievement events as associated to accomplishments in life. The authors also found that cognitive personality characteristics were a significant factor in the individual's likelihood of developing depression because of the thought processes that altered the outlook of the individual."

Sample of Sources Used:

Barnett, P., and Gotlib, I. (1988). Psychological functioning and depression: Distinguishing among antecedents, concomitants and consequences. Psychological Bulletin. 104(1): 97-136.
Bland, R. (1997). Epidemiology of affective disorders: A review. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 42: 367-378.
Kendler, K., Karkowski, L., and Prescott, C. (1999). Causal relationship between stressful life events and the onset of major depression. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 156(6): 837-842.
Kessler, R. (1997). The effects of stressful life events on depression. Annual Review. 48: 191-214.
Kushner, M., Sher, K., and Beitman, B. (1990). The relationship between alcohol problems and the anxiety disorders. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 147(6): 685-696.

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APA Citation:

Mood Disorders and Depression (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Term-Paper-Mood-Disorders-and-Depression/99495