1A low, sad state marked by significant levels of sadness, lack of energy, low self-worth, guilt, or related symptoms.
depression
2A state or episode of euphoria or frenzied activity in which people may have an exaggerated belief that the world is theirs for the taking.
mania
3The group of disorders marked by unipolar depression.
depressive disorders
4Depression without a history of mania.
unipolar depression
5A disorder marked by alternating or intermixed periods of mania and depression.
bipolar disorder
6A severe pattern of depression that is disabling and not caused by such factors as drugs or a general medical condition.
major depressive disorder
7A chronic form of unipolar depression marked by ongoing and repeated symptoms of either major or mild depression.
persistent depressive disorder
8A disorder marked by repeated episodes of significant depression and related symptoms during the week before menstruation.
premenstrual dysphoric disorder
9A neurotransmitter whose abnormal activity is linked to depression and panic disorder.
norepinephrine
10A neurotransmitter whose abnormal activity is linked to depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.
serotonin
11A neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating neurons and promoting connectivity and communication among neurons.
glutamate
12An antidepressant drug that prevents the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase.
MAO inhibitor
13An antidepressant drug such as imipramine that has three rings in its molecular structure.
tricyclic
14A group of second-generation antidepressant drugs that increase serotonin activity specifically, without affecting other neurotransmitters.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
15An anesthetic drug that is also used as an antidepressant, bringing rapid relief to many people with depression.
ketamine
16Biological treatments that directly or indirectly stimulate certain areas of the brain.
brain stimulation
17A treatment for depression in which electrodes attached to a patient’s head send an electrical current through the brain, causing a convulsion.
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
18A treatment for depression in which an implanted pulse generator sends regular electrical signals to a person's vagus nerve; the nerve then stimulates the brain.
vagus nerve stimulation
19A treatment in which an electromagnetic coil, which is placed on or above a patient’s head, sends a current into the individual’s brain.
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
20A treatment for depression in which a pacemaker powers electrodes that have been implanted in the subgenual cingulate, thus stimulating that brain area.
deep brain stimulation (DBS)
21According to Freudian theory, the loss of a valued object (for example, a loss of employment) that is unconsciously interpreted as the loss of a loved one. Also called imagined loss.
symbolic loss
22The three forms of negative thinking that Aaron Beck theorizes lead people to feel depressed. The triad consists of a negative view of one’s experiences, oneself, and the future.
cognitive triad
23The perception, based on past experiences, that one has no control over the reinforcements in one’s life.
learned helplessness
24A therapy for depression in which the therapist works systematically to increase the number of constructive and pleasurable activities and events in a client’s life.
behavioral activation
25A therapy developed by Aaron Beck that helps people identify and change the maladaptive assumptions and ways of thinking that help cause their psychological disorders.
cognitive therapy
26A treatment for unipolar depression that is based on the belief that clarifying and changing one’s interpersonal problems helps lead to recovery.
interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
27A therapy format in which the therapist works with two people who share a long-term relationship.
couple therapy
28A type of bipolar disorder marked by full manic and major depressive episodes.
bipolar I disorder
29A type of bipolar disorder marked by mildly manic (hypomanic) episodes and major depressive episodes.
bipolar II disorder
30A disorder marked by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive symptoms.
cyclothymic disorder
31A metallic element that occurs in nature as a mineral salt and is an effective treatment for bipolar disorders.
lithium
32Psychotropic drugs that help stabilize the moods of people suffering from bipolar disorder. Also known as antibipolar drugs.
mood-stabilizing drugs