Mood Disorders and Suicide 245
a genetic risk for mood disorders. Psychologi-
cal risk factors for suicide include poor coping
and problem-solving skills, distorted and rigid
thinking, and a sense of hopelessness. Varia-
tions in suicide rates across countries point to
the role of social factors in infl uencing people
who commit suicide.
Suicide prevention efforts target neuro-
logical, psychological, and social factors. Neu-
rological factors are targeted by medications.
Treatments that target psychological factors
are designed to ensure that the suicidal indi-
vidual is safe and then to help the person see
past the hopelessness and rigidity that per-
vade his or her thinking and develop new so-
lutions to problems. To address social factors,
prevention programs may target risk factors
that are associated with suicide, such as child
abuse and substance abuse.Thinking like a clinician
Based on what you have learned about sui-
cide, explain Kay Jamison’s suicide attempt
in terms of the three types of factors. Identify
how the neurological, psychological and so-
cial factors might have infl uenced each othervia feedback loops. From what you know of
her, what were Jamison’s risk and protective
factors?Key Terms
Mood disorders (p. 191)
Major depressive episode (MDE) (p. 192)
Anhedonia (p. 192)
Psychomotor agitation (p. 193)
Psychomotor retardation (p. 193)
Vegetative signs (of depression) (p. 193)
Hypersomnia (p. 194)
Prodrome (p. 194)
Premorbid (p. 194)
Major depressive disorder (MDD) (p. 194)
Age cohort (p. 194)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (p. 197)
Phototherapy (p. 197)
Dysthymic disorder (p. 198)Double depression (p. 198)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) (p. 209)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (p. 209)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
(p. 209)
Bipolar disorders (p. 217)
Manic episode (p. 217)
Expansive mood (p. 217)
Flight of ideas (p. 219)
Rapid cycling (of moods) (p. 221)
Cyclothymic disorder (p. 223)
Mood stabilizer (p. 228)
Lithium (p. 228)
Suicidal ideation (p. 232)More Study Aids
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chapter, go to:
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