Abstract
Dysthymic disorder is a tragic disorder in which individuals live with a constant feeling of unhappiness and irritability. Though not as intense as depression, it lasts longer and causes just as much upheaval. Discussed within the paper are the causes, possible treatments, and the difficulty in diagnosing this disorder.

From the Paper
"Childhood is a time that should be filled with exploration, learning, laughter, and joy. For some though, they live a life similar to that of Eeyore, the donkey from 'Whinnie the Pooh'. It is heartbreaking that some children live feeling unhappy and irritable. A child is learning what to expect from the world and how to feel about certain events, and to feel so negatively about life is terrible. It is important for clinicians to understand the possible causes, effects it has on the child and their family, and what the best interventions methods are. If we can understand the disorder, by understanding the causes, influences, comorbid diagnosis, and most effective treatments we can treat this disorder it becomes a major problem in the child's life."

Tags:psychopathology, abnormal, psychology

Abstract
Major depressive disorder is classified under a larger group of related disorders of mood, which includes bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder and dysthymic disorder (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) put forth the following criteria for diagnosing a major depressive disorder seen for at least two weeks must both manifest as an abnormal mood (depressed mood, anhedonia or irritable mood in children and adolescents) and meet at least three more criteria observed for at least two weeks: feeling of fatigue; slowing or agitation in carrying out activities; poor concentration; suicidal thoughts or thoughts of dying and death; disproportionate guilt; loss of, or decrease in appetite or weight loss; increased or decreased sleep time (APA, 2000). A strong familial history may predispose an individual towards depression but is not part of the diagnostic criteria.

From the Paper
Mood Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (Outline) I. Major features: abnormal mood; feeling of fatigue; slowing or agitation in carrying out activities; poor concentration; suicidal thoughts or thoughts of dying and death; disproportionate guilt; loss of, or decrease in appetite or weight loss; increased or decreased sleep time (APA, 2000). II. Case Example: 32 year-old female initially complaining of back pain a. Mental Status Examination b. DSM-IV Multiaxial Evaluation III. Pharmacological Treatment: Duloxetine (Cymbalta^A'A(r))

Tags:mood, disorders, depression

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the case of Mary who is a 16-year-old female incarcerated for assault with a deadly weapon. The writer explains that Mary had been diagnosed with conduct and dysthymic disorder prior to her incarceration. The paper also highlights the effectivity of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for female adolescents who are incarcerated. The writer reviews issues surrounding cultural awareness and CBT and reviews Mary's case presentation. The writer then discusses how CBT can be effective specifically for Mary and concludes with a brief review of potential ethical issues for the practitioner.

Outline:
Abstract
Case Presentation

From the Paper
"Through effective CBT intervention, significant reframing occurred, changing perceptions, thinking and behavior. For example, one goal for CBT with Mary was increase her levels of self-respect and self-esteem, as different from false bravado as a defense mechanism forcing her to act tough and repeat her assaultive behavior patterns."
"Another goal was to effectively deal with her past experiences and leave them in the past rather than continue to relive them in the present. It was believed that this approach would help reduce her dysthymic and conduct disorder symptoms."

Tags:cognitive, practitioner, treatment, mental, health

Abstract
This paper examines why it is important to look at the problem of adolescent depression and suicide from the perspective of the different kinds of disorders that cause it. The writer claims that there is a need to study the ways that these disorders can be managed so that the depression can be reduced and the risk of suicide lessened. In order to do that, the paper examines major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. It also includes a literature review that deals with treatment, including various approaches that are being used or have been used in the past to treat depression and the risk of suicide in the adolescent population. Suicide also has a section devoted to it, dealing with the various risk factors and why adolescents choose to take their own lives. Prevention is also discussed, and the usefulness of the research findings are dealt with and tied into the recommendations that will have to be made for the future of this issue.
Introduction
Types of Mood Disorders
Major Depressive Disorder
Risk Factors in Major Depression
Dysthymic Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Literature Review - Treatment of Mood Disorders
Validity and Reliability of Studies
Psychodynamic Approaches
Behavioral Approaches
Biological Approaches
Antidepressant Drugs
Drug Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Depression
Suicide
Why do Children and Adolescents Commit Suicide?
Who Commits Suicide?
Risk Factors for Suicide
How can Children/Adolescent Suicide be Prevented?
Usefulness in the Field of Social Work
How Useful are the Research Findings?
How Will These Findings Make a Difference for Practitioners?
Conclusion and Recommendations for Future Research
Works Cited

From the Paper
"The different types of mood disorders are one of the most important things that should be discussed. These various mood disorders can all lead to depression. However, since depression can be caused by several things, it is vital that there is an understanding about the mood disorders, what they are, and what they mean for treatment options where adolescents are concerned. The first type of mood disorder is major depressive disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is widely utilized to determine whether an individual may have major depressive disorder, and whether they have experienced a major depressive episode. An episode such as this can be indicated by various things, but generally it must have at least five of the following characteristics for two weeks or more: depressed mood; loss of interest or pleasure; significant weight or appetite change; insomnia or hypersomnia; psychomotor agitation or retardation; fatigue or loss of energy; feelings of inappropriate guilt or worthlessness; diminished ability to think or concentrate; and/or recurrent thoughts or death or suicide (Stanard, 2000)."

Tags:prevention, dysthymic, disorder, bipolar

Abstract
The paper explains that the elderly have much to offer the younger population and this can give them a strong sense of purpose. However, the paper shows how, for too many of these individuals, this is not the case and they end up feeling alone and depressed, which eventually leads to suicide. The paper examines major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder. The paper provides a literature review that deals with the treatment for depression and the risk of suicide in the elderly population. The paper also discusses methods of suicide prevention.

Outline:
Abstract
Summary
Introduction and Rationale
Previous Theory and Research
Strengths and Gaps in the Literature
Conclusion and Recommendations

From the Paper
"Literature into the issue of depression and the suicide rate where elderly people are concerned is important for several reasons. Consider these facts: The highest rate of suicide in the United States is among the elderly population. Moreover, suicide rates steadily increase as age advances in individuals of all races and both genders. Those that are 65 years and older successfully complete suicide attempts 50% more often than the national average. Every 90 minutes a senior citizen in the United States commits suicide. Population experts estimate that by 2030, the elderly population will be about 20% of the population-about 75 million people (Heisel, 2004). Clearly, the problem of suicide among the elderly is significant and if left unaddressed can be expected to increase."

Tags:major, depressive, dysthymic, bipolar, prevention

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses Mary, who is a 16-year-old female incarcerated for assault with a deadly weapon diagnosed with conduct and dysthymic disorder prior to her incarceration. This paper highlights the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for female adolescents who are incarcerated, reviewed issues surrounding cultural awareness and CBT, reviews Mary's case presentation, discusses how CBT can be effective specifically for Mary and concludes with a brief review of potential ethical issues for the practitioner.

Tags:teens, incarcerated

Abstract
This paper discusses how important the proper diagnosis of a patient's mood disorder is for finding the proper treatment. Disorders covered include: major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, cyclothymic, bi-polar I, and bi-polar II. The author shows how the disorders are broken down into domains and indicates the symptoms for each and how they should be treated.

From the Paper
"Bi-polar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million American adults or about 1.2 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older (Reiger, 1993). Men and women are equally likely to develop bi-polar disorder. The average age of onset for bi-polar disorders is in the early twenties (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Bi-polar disorders include cyclothymic, bi-polar I, and bi-polar II. Distinction of the actual disorder can sometimes become difficult, therefore, it is crucial to look at all the symptoms the patient is experiencing."

Tags:bi, depressive, disorder, disorders, polar, disorders, moods, treatments