Biological Explanation Of Unipolar Depression (AO1): Depression Flashcards
Which monoamines is the monoamine hypothesis concerned with?
Serotonin, Noradrenaline, Dopamine.
Why is serotonin important?
Serotonin is responsible for regulating other neurotransmitters. Without this, brain functioning becomes erratic.
What is noradrenaline responsible for?
It is responsible for providing attention and reward.
What is dopamine related to?
It is related to alertness and energy.
When serotonin levels are low, the levels of noradrenaline…
…drop. Low noradrenaline levels are linked to lack of pleasure.
When serotonin levels are low, the levels of dopamine…
…drop. Low dopamine levels are linked to anxiety.
What is the formula for Depressive Reaction?
Gene Predisposition + Environmental Stressors = Depressive Reaction.
Which gene is linked to regulating serotonin levels?
5-HTT. People with variations of the 5-HTT gene that are under active are more likely to suffer depression after stressful life events.
What does Rosenthal’s diathesis-stress model explain?
Explains that a gene that produces a mental disorder can be triggered by a stressful environment.
How might receptors that pick up neurotransmitters lead to depression?
If there aren’t enough receptors (or if they’re not working properly) this will have the same effect as a lack of the neurotransmitter.
What is Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO-A)?
It’s a chemical that removes monoamine from the synapse.
What is MAO-A responsible for?
Responsible for the re-uptake that recycles neurotransmitters when they don’t appear to be needed.
When does MAO-A become an issue?
If there is too much MAO-A in the synapse, it will remove monoamines that are needed, starving the brain of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine - leads to symptoms of depression.
How does MAO-A provide the basis for Antidepressant drugs?
Antidepressants inhibit the activity of MAO-A. This leads to more monoamine activity and a reduction in the symptoms of depression.
