About this course
Depression represents one pole of a person's mood while mania represents the other pole. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle of the mood spectrum, not too high or too low. Our mood lifts with good news or a kind gesture and may sadden if we suffer a disappointment such as a bad day at work or failure of a goal. As our mood lifts, we feel happy, energized, confident, and optimistic. As our mood saddens, we feel tired, sad, and pessimistic. The main difference between these normal shifts in mood and a depressive disorder is one of degree. This course will discuss the diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and prevention of depressive, bipolar, and related disorders. In addition, this course will provide an overview of how these disorders relate to suicide.
