19. Depression Flashcards
What type of disorder is depression? (Depression B&B)
An affective disorder
What is anhedonia? (Depression B&B)
The inability to feel pleasure in previously pleasurable activities
How is a major depressive episode characterised? (Depression B&B)
Depressed mood and/or anhedonia plus at least 5 more symptoms, lasting almost every day for two weeks
What are the 8 symptoms associated with depression? (Depression B&B)
- Body weight changes
- Sleep changes
- Motor retardation
- Loss of energy
- Worthlessness
- Guilt
- Inability to concentrate
- Suicidal thoughts
What is the heritability rate of depression if relatives have it? (Depression B&B)
2/3 times more likely
What does the monoamine hypothesis suggest about depression? (Depression B&B)
Symptoms are caused by insufficient activity of the monoaminergic neurons
What are two types of monoamines? (Depression B&B)
- Norepinephrine
- Epinephrine
What is a monoamine? (Depression B&B)
Basic neurotransmitter
What is norepinephrine associated with? (Depression B&B)
noradrenaline
What is epinephrine associated with? (Depression B&B)
Adrenaline
What did Asberg et al (1976) find? (Depression B&B)
Lower levels of 5-HT metabolite 5-HIAA in cerebrospinal fluid of depressed patients
What is reserpine and why was it so influential? (Depression B&B)
- Used to treat blood pressure in mid 20th century
- Side effects were depression
- It blocked the packaging of monoamines (when neuron activated, firing was inhibited)
How do monamine oxidise inhibitors work? (Depression B&B)
They inhibit the breakdown of monoamines in the presynaptic terminal, increasing the proportion of monamines that are taken into the vesicle
What are side effects of monoamine oxidise inhibitors? (Depression B&B)
- Cheese effect (increased tyramine stored in liver)
- Only acceptable is P’s were on a strict no cheese diet
How do tricyclic antidepressants work? (Depression B&B)
Inhibit the reuptake of 5-HT and noradrenaline