Abnormal mood neurobiology

Question 1

Features of disordered appetitive function-depression

Answer 1

Difficult identifying new stimuli

Reduced contact with previously rewarding stimuli

Increase contact with aversive stimuli

Move, eat less

Question 2

Features of disordered appetitive function-Mania

Answer 2

Previously neutral stimuli rewarding

Increased exploration

Increased appetite

Intolerant of aversion (Boredom)

Intolerant of frustration

Question 3

Dexamethasone suppression test in major depression

Answer 3

Fail to suppress cortisol levels

Question 4

Effect of major depression on TFT?

Answer 4

TSH response to TRH blunted in 20-25%

?Hypersecretion of TRH in hypothalamus

Question 5

Difference between hippocampal neurones in a normal and depressed brain?

Answer 5

Depressed brain has fewer neuronal branches due to chronic stress

Depressed people have a shrunken hippocampus, with relationship between length of episode and level of shrink