Abnormal levels of serotonin and norepinephrine.

First degree relatives of people with depression have a higher level of incidence for the illness.

Environmental:

Can be caused by periodic stressors such as job problems, ilness, financial struggle, etc.

Physical, emotional or sexual abuse can cause depession.

Bipoler Disorder is a brain disorder causing shifts in a persons ability to function. It affects nearly 1% of the adult population.

Bipolar I includes the following:

Mania-racing thoughts and speech,highly distractable,poor judgement,impulsive and rash,elevated self esteem. During this time the individual has increased activity, restlessness, being extremely irritable, and during this state these individuals need little to no sleep.

Treatments include:

Lithium (mood stabilizer)

Therapy- can be useful in helping the client understand their illness and its consequences. Can tell the next cycle of manic or depressive episode and will be better prepared for it.

Poor coping skills and lack of support- makes the disorder more noticable and hard to control.

Prognosis:

Has a very poor term of treating the ilness. ( Some individuals may have to remin medicated thier entire life.)

Manic episodes= natural aging process slows episodes down in thier entirity; medication= ilness is kept at a minimum level

Loss of energy.

Difficulty concentrating.

Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyed.

Treatment:

Can combine pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy or individual approaches.

Has better prognosis than other mood disorders.