Abnormal Psychology L3 Flashcards
What is the diagnostic criteria of a Major Depressive Episode?
Five or more of the following symptoms (including either depressed mood or loss of interest)
- Depressed mood most of the day
- Markedly diminished interest of pleasure in most activities
- Clinically significant weight loss or gain (>5%)
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Fatigue of loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate
- Recurrent thoughts of suicide
What is the time frame for diagnosing a Major Depressive Episode?
2 weeks.
Must be change in previous functioning
What are the two types of depressive disorders (according to the DSM-5)?
- Major Depressive Disorder
2. Persistent Depressive Disorder
Describe Persistent Depressive Disorder?
Lasts at least 2 years. Generally more anhedonic and emotionally numb then MDD, like Eeyore
What does the word Etiology mean?
The causes of the condition
Is depressions heritable?
Genetic components comprise about 40% of the risk factors for depression
What are the biological causes of depression?
. Neurotransmitters (lack of receptor sensitivity)
. Hormones
. Brain abnormality
What are the neurotransmitters that are implicated in depression?
- Norepinephrine
- Seratonin
- Dopamine
Describe the hormonal response that causes depression?
Cortisol breaks down neurotransmitters which are meant to be active, the absence of which can cause depression.
How is cortisol released?
Stressor triggers amygdala. Activates Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which releases cortisol.
How are the brains of people with depression different from the brains of people without?
Emotional (or limbic) system projects to prefrontal cortex via the serotonergic pathway.
Left/right frontal cortex abnormality
Describe the serotonergic pathway.
Emotions conveyed to the prefrontal cortex via:
- Amygdala
- > Subgenual anterior cingulate (don’t need to know)
- > Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (don’t need to know)
- > Hippocampus
What side of the prefrontal cortex is more active in people with depression?
The right prefrontal cortex.
The left has been correlated with relaxation and positive emotion
Describe the Diathesis-Stress Model.
That people with depressions have a biological vulnerability which causes them to react more negatively and be more stressed to events that would be manageable to the average person.
What is the cognitive theory of depression?
Negative events spark certain thought processes in depressed individuals, ie
- hopelessness
- dwelling on negative events
What is the negative triad of cognitive theory?
Negative beliefs about..
- The world (they hate me)
- Self (I hate me)
- Future (the future sucks)
What is a cognitive distortion?
An automatic thought response to an event - not conscious, just an automatic response.
Describe Beck’s cognitive therapy.
Four phases
- Increase activities and elevate mood
- Challenge automatic thoughts
- Identify negative thinking and biases
- Change primary attitudes/schemas
How many sessions does Beck’s cognitive therapy suggest?
20
What are some common antidepressant drugs?
- MAO inhibitors
- Tricycles
- Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (less negative side effects to other two so best option)
How do MAO inhibitors work?
Inhibits Monoamine Oxidase, which stops the breakdown of neurotransmitters.
However, also inhibits break down of tyramine and build up of this is dangerous, so need a very selective diet while on this medication
Describe Electroconvulsive Therapy?
Hook up electrodes to the brain under general anesthesia, deliver electric shocks.
Is Electroconvulsive Therapy effective?
Surprisingly, yes ( we don’t know why). There can be some side effects though such as memory loss from around the treatment time. Also have to keep going back to prevent relapsing.