- Normal sadness is temporary and linked to specific events; it improves with time.
- Depressive disorder lasts two or more weeks and seriously affects daily life.
- In normal mood, some enjoyment remains; in depression, there is a loss of interest or pleasure.
- Depression includes symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts, which are not present in normal sadness.
Topics
Psychology : A Scientific Discipline
- Science of Psychology
- Key Features of Science
- History of Psychology as a Science
- Research Methods in Psychology> Experimental Method
- Research Methods in Psychology> Survey Method
- Research Methods in Psychology> Observation Method
- Research Methods in Psychology> Case Study Method
- Research Methods in Psychology> Correlation Studies
- Challenges in Establishing Psychology as a Science
- Importance of Rationality
Intelligence
- Concept of Intelligence
- Perspectives on Intelligence
- Intelligence as a Single, General Ability
- Theories of Intelligence
- E. L. Thorndike's Theory
- Louis Thurstone’s Multifactor Theory
- Charles Spearman's Two Factor Theory
- Theory of Intelligence by Cattell
- Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
- Measurement of Intelligence
- History of Measurement of Intelligence
- Mental Age
- Intelligence Quotient
- Types of Intelligence Tests
- Individual Test
- Group Test
- Verbal Test
- Non-Verbal Test
- Applications of Intelligence Testing
- New Trends in Intelligence> Social Intelligence
- New Trends in Intelligence> Emotional Intelligence
- New Trends in Intelligence> Artificial Intelligence
Personality
Cognitive Processes
Emotions
- Concept of Emotions
- History of Emotions
- Basic Emotions
- Plutchik’s Model
- Physiological Changes During Emotions
- Emotional Well-Being
- Achieving Emotional Well Being
- Benefits of Emotional Well-Being
- Emotional Abuse
- Managing Emotions
- Anger Management
- Anticipating and Managing Anger
- The 3 R's: Relax, Reassess, and Respond
Psychological Disorders
- Concept of Abnormal Behaviour
- Nature of Psychological Disorders
- Criteria for Psychological Disorders
- Concept of Mental Wellness
- Mental Disorders - Its Classification
- Major Psychological Disorder> Anxiety Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Bipolar Disorder
- Major Psychological Disorder> Trauma and Stress Related Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Schizophrenia
- Identifying and Treating Psychological Disorders
First Aid in Mental Health
Positive Psychology
Estimated time: 22 minutes
- Definition: Depressive Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms
- Definition: Manic Depressive or Bipolar Disorder
- Definition: Cyclic Psychoses
- Normal vs. Depressive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar Mania Phase
- Bipolar Depression Phase
- Risk Factors
- Key Points: Depressive Disorders
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Definition: Depressive Disorder
- The disorder in which the individual experiences extreme feelings of sadness as well as guilt for at least two weeks, is called Depressive Disorder.
- Major depressive disorder is defined as a period of depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, together with other symptoms which may include a change in body weight, constant sleep problems, tiredness, inability to think clearly, agitation, greatly slowed behaviour, and thoughts of death and suicide.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms
- Diagnosed when 5 or more symptoms last for at least 2 weeks (DSM criteria).
- Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest, appetite/weight changes, and sleep problems.
- Also includes fatigue, guilt, poor concentration, indecisiveness, and suicidal thoughts.
- More common in women than men, often linked to social and economic factors.
CISCE: Class 12
Definition: Manic Depressive or Bipolar Disorder
It is a mood disorder in which an individual experiences very wide swings of mood from deep depression to wild elation.
CISCE: Class 12
Definition: Cyclic Psychoses
In bipolar psychoses, mania and depression usually occur in a circular form. It is therefore called cyclic psychoses.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Normal vs. Depressive Disorder
CISCE: Class 12
Bipolar Disorder
- Involves extreme mood swings between depression and mania (manic-depressive illness).
- More common in women and may occur in cyclic episodes.
- Some cases alternate between mania and depression with normal periods in between.
- Classified by Kraepelin (1911) as one illness with phases of elation and depression.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Bipolar Mania Phase
- Extreme excitement, high energy, and rapid speech.
- Reduced sleep and racing thoughts.
- Excessive involvement in risky activities (shopping, investments, travel).
- Irritability, aggression, and increased sexual behaviour.
- May lead to serious consequences like financial loss.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Bipolar Depression Phase
- Intense sadness, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness.
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts may occur.
- Loss of appetite, sleep problems, and slowed thinking or movement.
- Opposite of mania—shows low energy and lethargy.
- Episodes may begin with mild mood changes before becoming severe.
CBSE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Risk Factors
- Genetic factors and heredity increase the risk of depression.
- Women are at higher risk, often due to social and economic disadvantages.
- Negative life events (divorce, assault, poor social support) raise vulnerability.
- Age factor: higher risk in young adult women and middle-aged men.
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12
Key Points: Depressive Disorders
- Depressive Disorder involves extreme sadness and loss of interest lasting at least two weeks.
- Major Depressive Disorder requires five or more symptoms like sleep/appetite changes, fatigue, guilt, poor concentration, and suicidal thoughts.
- Normal sadness is temporary, but depression is long-lasting and seriously affects daily life.
- Bipolar Disorder involves mood swings between mania and depression, often in cycles.
- Mania shows high energy, less sleep, rapid speech, and risky behaviour.
- Risk factors include genetics, stressful life events, and higher risk in women.
