MODULE 13

Mood Disorders

• Dysthymic Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Commonly Associated Disorders
• General Interventions
• Pharmacological Interventions
• When to Refer
• Resources

Dysthymic and Major Depressive Disorders

Dysthymic Disorder

Diagnostic codes: 300.4
Adapted from DSM-PC. Refer to DSM-PC and DSM IV/DSM-IV-TR for full psychiatric criteria and further description.

Description of Symptoms

The symptoms of dysthymic disorder are less severe than those of a major depressive disorder but are more persistent, lasting for at least one year.

Infancy and Early Childhood

• Infrequently diagnosed

Middle Childhood and Adolescence

• Decreased interest in or participation in activities
• Feelings of inadequacy; low self-esteem
• Social withdrawal; guilt or brooding
• Irritability
• Increases or decreases in sleep or appetite

Major Depressive Disorder

Diagnostic codes: 296.2x, major depressive disorder, single episode; 296.3x, major depressive disorder, recurrent.
Refer to DSM-PC and DSM-IV/DSM-IV-TR for full psychiatric criteria and further description.

Description of Symptoms

Infancy

• Rarely diagnosed in infants, but infants can show intense distress, similar to depressive reactions

Childhood and Adolescence

• Generally appear similar to adult depression, additional warning signs may be present according to developmental age.