Depression

Question 1

Does depression run in the family?

Answer 1

Yes it can, and some people with be at an increased genetic risk. However, having a close relative with depression does not mean you will automatically have depression

Question 2

Can personality lead to depression?

Answer 2

It may. If the patient has a tendency to worry a lot or has low-self esteem, are perfectionists, are sensitive to personal criticism, or are critical and negative

Question 3

Can serious medical illnesses lead to depression?

Answer 3

Yes. The stress and worry of coping with a serious illness can, especially when dealing with chronic pain or long-term management.

Question 4

Can alcohol and drug use lead to depression?

Answer 4

Yes. Both of these can lead to depression or be a result of depression

Question 5

What is a Psychodynamic explanation for depression?

Answer 5

As a child that has experiences a highly significant loss and/or developed the belief that being loved was dependant on pleasing others - this can result in a distorted self image in which leads to guilt and lack of self-worth

Question 6

What is an interpersonal explanation for depression?

Answer 6

If the person develops a “depressive way of being” as a result of negative interpersonal relationships and lack of positive reinforcement in life

Question 7

What is a cognitive explanation for depression?

Answer 7

This suggests that depression results from how the person thinks about what is happening in the world aka thinking about the world and events in a negative way

Question 8

How do most modern antidepressants affect the brain?

Answer 8

They effect the brains chemical transmitters (serotonin and noradrenaline) which relay messages between brain cells

Question 9

Do we work alongside a patient or work for the patient?

Answer 9

We work alongside the patient

Question 10

What is a major depressive disorder?

Answer 10

A condition involving seriously depressed mood and other symptoms which affect all body systems and interfere significantly with a persons ability to carry out their daily living activities

Question 10

What is a dysthymic disorder?

Answer 10

Chronically depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years.

Question 11

What are some behavioural changes that a patient with depression may have?

Answer 11

Social and emotional withdrawal, less effective in areas of work and family relations, and substance abuse.

Question 12

What are some cognitive changes that a patient with depression may have?

Answer 12

Increasingly egocentric, negative, they may have difficulty concentrating, be indecisive, negative ruminations, low esteem, and thoughts of death/suicide

Question 13

What are some communication changes that a patient with depression may have?

Answer 13

They may not initiate conversation, and may have poor responses.

Question 14

What are some mood changes that a patient with depression may have?

Answer 14

Lower mood than usual, feeling sad and hopeless, tendency to cry.

Question 15

What are some alterations in physical functioning that a patient with depression may have?

Answer 15

Sleep disturbances, fatigue, appetite changes, diminished sexual desire, psychomotor retardation and somatisation

Question 16

What is the first line of treatment for depression (due to less side effects)?

Answer 16

SSRIs - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Question 17

What are the common side effects of SSRIs - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (First line of depression treatment)

Answer 17

Drowsiness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, nausea, and vomiting

Question 18

What is serotonin syndrome?

Answer 18

Serotonin syndrome is a serious drug reaction that often occurs rapidly and can be life-threatening

Question 19

What are the severe symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

Answer 19

Increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature

Question 20

What are Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Answer 20

An older form of antidepressant.

Question 21

What are the common side effects of Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Answer 21

Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, drowsiness, and weight gain

Question 22

What are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Answer 22

a separate class from other antidepressants, treating different forms of depression and other nervous system disorders such as panic disorder, social phobia, and depression with atypical features.
MAOIs are only a treatment option when all other medications are unsuccessful.

Question 23

What is electroconvulsive therapy?

Answer 23

Passing a controlled current of electricity through to brain to induce a seizure (stimulating the activity of neurons) used mainly in the treatment of severe depressive episodes.

Question 24

What are some things the nurse can do to help the patient with depression?

Answer 24

Risk management, establishing therapeutic relationship, helping with physical health needs (ADLs), structing the day, cognitive restructuring, education (symptom/medication management), and education + support for whanau