Class 38: Psychological Disorders II: Depressive & Bipolar Disorders (Outline)

Nov 27, 2025

PSY 101

Class 38: Psychological Disorders II: Depressive & Bipolar Disorders; Suicide (Outline)

What is the Prevalence of Depression in the United States?

National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data for 2021-2023

Gallup National Poll, 2025

These data suggest that the level of depression in the United States has continued to grow even after the pandemic
Women are much more likely to be depressed than men and that difference has been true for over a decade
The highest rates of depression come in late adolescence and early adulthood and these rates have been growing in the last 10 years
The highest rates of depression come in poorer families with household incomes under $48,000 a year.

The Dual Face of Mood Disturbance

	Pole I: Depressive Episode	Pole II: Manic Episode
Emotional Symptoms
Cognitive Symptoms
Behavioral Symptoms

1. Major Depressive Disorder (Unipolar)

A. Onset & Course

B. Prevalence

2. Bipolar Disorder: "pure" bipolar disorder (traditional) &
"subthreshold bipolar disorders" (very recent)

A. Onset & Course

B. Prevalence

3. Mood Disorders & Suicide

Etiology (Causes) of Mood Disorders

Genetic Vulnerabilities

Neurochemical & Neuroanatomical Factors

Hormonal Factors

Cognitive Factors

Interpersonal Issues

Precipitating Factors: Stress

Childhood abuse (sexual, physical, psychological, emotional neglect

Adult life stressors (physical or sexual assault, death of spouse, unemployment, life-threatening illness, military conscription)

Mood Disorders: Some Additional Notes

Unipolar Disorder (Major Depression): Two Example Subtypes

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Postpartum Depression + "Baby Blues" and "Postpartum Psychosis"

Bipolar Disorder Subtype

Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder

This page was originally posted on 11/21/03