In the third class, the group will review mood disorders and anxiety disorders. The symptoms and diagnosis of the various forms of depression are discussed, as well as those of anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The class also learns about the evolution of recognition for these diseases, including the challenges to diagnosis, the relapsing nature of the disorders, and how treatment relates to diagnosis. The class will also learn about overlaps between diagnosis and borderline personality disorder, as well as the significant issue of dual diagnosis and the complications of addiction. The group will also discuss their personal experiences.

Introduction: Research Leads The Way To More Diagnostic Precision

• The chronic nature of mood and anxiety disorders
• Instability, relapse and recurrence in relation to long-term disability
• Diagnostic criteria and classification of mood disorders, specifically the subtypes of depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder
• Complications of borderline diagnosis and dual diagnosis

TYPES AND SUBTYPES OF DEPRESSION: Unipolar Major Depression, Bipolar Major Depression, Psychotic And Other Subtypes

• Overview of 4 types and differences of onset, duration, and severity
• Description of unipolar major depression
• Description of bipolar major depression
• Description of psychotic and other subtypes

TYPES AN D SUBTYPES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER: Bipolar I, Bipolar I Mixed, Bipolar II, Rapid Cycling

• Descriptions of each category by symptoms, response to specific treatments, and diagnosis
• Description of Bipolar I
• Description of Bipolar I Mixed
• Description of Bipolar II
• Description of Rapid Cycling

The "Borderline" Designation

• Description of borderline personality disorder, its symptoms, challenges of caretaking, risks and treatment options

ANXIETY DISORDERS: Diagnostic Criteria For Panic Disorder And Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• History of diagnosis of panic disorder and OCD: evolution from diagnosis as mood disorder to anxiety disorder
• Description of Panic Disorder: experience of the person having the attack, criteria for what called a panic attack, diagnosis, avoidance issues, and demoralization
• Description of OCD: symptoms of OCD; definition of obsession; definition of compulsion; examples of each behavior; disruption and excess

Co-Occurring Brain Disorder And Addictive Disorders

• The Number 1 Complicated Factor in Mental Illness: Dual Diagnosis, or an addictive disorder and a serious brain disorder
• Dilemma of "Dual Diagnosis"
• Genetics and inheritance
• Self-medication
• Expectations and establishing sobriety
• Overview of integrated treatment process

Sharing Our Stories

• Emotional responses to mental illness
• Telling about our family members' illness past experiences and how they are doing now
• Sharing "traumatic themes" of personal stories and group discussion of survival, strength and coping
• Relaxation exercise (optional participation)