Mood Disorders Psychological disorders characterized by emotional extremes. Major Depressive Disorder . A mood disorder in which a person, for no apparent reason, experiences two or more weeks of depressed moods, feelings of worthlessness, and diminished interest or pleasure in most activities. Bipolar Disorder . A mood disorder in which the person alternates between the hopelessness and lethargy of depression and the overexcited state of mania.
Mania is defined as marked elevation in mood as evidenced by a hyperactive, widely optimistic state.
A manic friend might, for example, call at 3 a.m. to announce in all seriousness that she's flying to Hollywood immediately to marry Robert Redford, and star in his next movie. Typically, bipolar disorder develops without any clear cause. The Social-Cognitive Perspective Schizophrenia A group of severe psychotic disorders characterized by disorganization and delusional thinking, disturbed perceptions, and inappropriate emotions and actions. Delusions are defined as false beliefs, often of persecution or grandeur that may accompany psychotic disorders. Symptoms of Schizophrenia Disorganized thinking Disturbed Perceptions Inappropriate Emotions and Actions Types of Schizophrenia Positive symptoms - disorganized and deluded in their talk, or are prone to inappropriate laughter, tears, or rage.