Chapter 7: Depressive Disorders | Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists (Podcast Style Summary)

In Chapter 7 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists, we explore depressive disorders, covering their differential diagnosis, biological underpinnings, and treatment approaches. This episode delves into the various types of depression, from reactive and biological depressions to dysthymia and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). We also discuss the biogenic amine hypothesis, the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and how different antidepressant treatments work. Key Topics Covered: ✅ Differential diagnosis of depression – Distinguishing reactive dysphoria, grief, and clinical depression ✅ Types of major depression – Unipolar, recurrent, atypical, and psychotic depressions ✅ Bipolar disorder vs. major depression – Why screening for mania is essential before prescribing antidepressants ✅ Biological causes of depression – How neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics contribute to mood disorders ✅ Neurovegetative symptoms – How sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and fatigue indicate biological depression ✅ Treatment options – Antidepressants, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and lifestyle changes Glossary of Terms: 📌 Anhedonia – The inability to feel pleasure, a core symptom of depression 📌 Atypical Depression – A depression subtype with hypersomnia, weight gain, and sensitivity to rejection 📌 Neurovegetative Symptoms – Physiological signs of depression, such as appetite and sleep disturbances 📌 BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) – A neuroprotective protein reduced in major depression 📌 Hyperactivity of the HPA Axis – Increased cortisol levels associated with depression and stress 📌 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – A depression linked to reduced sunlight exposure 📌 Treatment-Resistant Depression – Depression that does not respond to at least two antidepressant trials Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Chapter 7 summary, depressive disorder diagnosis, types of depression explained, major depressive disorder symptoms, neurotransmitters and depression, serotonin and mood, antidepressant medications guide, psychopharmacology for therapists, bipolar disorder vs depression, seasonal affective disorder treatment