Biogenic Amine Hypothesis

Question 1

dopamine is increased in ______ and decreased in ______.

Answer 1

mania, depression

Question 2

explain the chicken and egg theory in depression

Answer 2

a reduction in serotonin synthesis may result in depression, but also that depression may result in a reduction in serotonin synthesis

Question 3

is there increased or decreased levels of norepinephrine and serotonin?

Answer 3

decreased levels

Question 4

does lowering serotonin factors induce depression in all people?

Answer 4

no - supporting the genetic environment theory

Question 5

when serotonin levels are depleted experimentally in humans by oral Tx by decreasing the level of tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin - what happens with healthy VS depressed people?

Answer 5

healthy people without a personal/family Hx or MDD do not show mood changes, whereas people who have been successfully treated with SSRI’s will relapse into depression

Question 6

what is the biogenic amine hypothesis?

Answer 6

suggests that decreased levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft (due to decreased presynaptic release or decreased post synaptic sensitivity, is the underlying pathologic process in depression

Question 7

why is frequency of depression higher in patients with parkinsons disease?

Answer 7

caused by lower rates of dopamine production in the substantial nigra