Moody Blues: Coping with a Mood Disorder

Presented by: Dr. Laura Nichols Ms. Donna Horner Mr. Richard Cottingham

Dr. Laura Nichols, C. Psych (Supervised Practice) Clinical Psychologist

Mood Disorders Program

Mood Disorders

• Bipolar Depression

• Unipolar Depression

Depression

What is depression?

Epidemiology

• Average age of onset mid-20’s

• 15-25% Lifetime Prevalence

Prevalence

Recognizing Depression

•Physical

•Emotional

•Behavioral

•Cognitive

Etiology of Depression

Psychological/Social Factors •Early Experience

•Life Events

•Personality

•Stress

Etiology of Depression

Biological Factors •Genes

•Neurochemistry

•Hormones

Etiology of Depression

Psychological/

Social Factors Biological Factors

Vulnerability to Depression

• Being female

• Few social supports

• Substance Use

• Recently having given birth

• Previous depression

• Serious illness

Evidence Based Interventions • Exercise • Psychotherapy

– Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – Mindfulness Based CBT

• Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) • Peer Support • Medication • Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT)

Richard Cottingham

My Journey Towards Recovery