Lesson 16: Mood Disorder


Attention

Review the American Association of Suicidology "Elderly Suicide Fact Sheet"


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Identify ways in which normal loss and clinical depression are different
  • List ways in which Mental Health workers provide services for individuals who experience loss

Teaching

Read Chapter 10 in Cohen & Eisdorfer

Mood Disorders

The DSM classifies Mood Disorders as follows:

  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Dysthymic Disorder
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder I and II
  • Bipolar Disorder not otherwise specified
  • Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood and/or Anxiety
  • Psychotic Depression
  • Mood Disorder secondary to a medical disorder or substance abuse

There is also something called "Depressive Disorder" which are symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks but unrelated to medical or grief situations.

Depression vs. Loss

As we age we experience more and more loss. We may feel loss of spouses, friends, etc who die. We may also feel loss and pain from opportunities that have passed us by, or regrets.

Most people deal well with most loss with adequate social networks, supports, and coping mechanisms. If symptoms persist for 4-6 weeks, we may be looking at clinical depression.

Here are the signs to look for:

  • Sleep disturbances
  • Lack of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
  • Inappropriate guilt / feelings of worthlessness / hopelessness
  • Lack of energy
  • Concentration difficulties and indecisiveness
  • Lack of appetite
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation
  • Suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts

However, even grief professionals disagree between what is normal and abnormal reaction to loss.

Read the specific sections on "Problem Solving Therapy" (p. 119) and "Family Involvement" (p. 123)

Mental Health Work

In the reading and in my notes above, we see that social networks, supports, and coping mechanisms are important aspects of successfully navigating the losses that occur as people age.

These particular aspects of one's life are sometimes a life-long struggle for individuals with Mental Illness. What I mean is that the very systems that would help a person cope better with the natural losses of aging, are less likely to be present in this population.

As problem solvers, networkers, and resource development specialists, Mental Health workers focus on developing the social networks, supports, and coping mechanisms to help people make their way through these losses.


Assessment

Lesson 16 Quiz

  1. Tell a story of how you have played "social worker" for someone in your life who was going through a loss. Focus not on how you "counseled" them, but on how you addressed problem solving, resources, networking, etc. (Examples of how one might intervene this way would be to coordinate others to visit, helping with arrangements, helping around the house, having casseroles brought over....those kinds of things.)
  2. How might you see yourself doing similar things in your role as a Mental Health Worker?