Depression Flashcards
What is Major Depression disorder?
A mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
Which population is recommended for screening for depression according to USPTF?
General adult population (18 years and older) and children/adolescents aged 12 to 18.
What screening tool is used for depression in adults?
The two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQs-2). If positive, apply PHQs-9.
When should postpartum women be screened for depression?
4 to 8 weeks postpartum.
What are the criteria for diagnosing Major Depression disorder using PHQs-9?
5 or more symptoms for at least two consecutive weeks, with at least one being either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure.
Name two key symptoms required for a Major Depression diagnosis.
- Depressed mood most of the day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all activities
List additional symptoms that may indicate Major Depression disorder.
- Sleep disturbance
- Fatigue or low energy
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Decreased ability to concentrate
- Thoughts of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
- Psychomotor retardation or agitation
What must be true about the symptoms for a diagnosis of Major Depression disorder?
They must cause significant distress or psychosocial impairment and not be due to a substance or general medical condition.
What should be assessed to rule out other causes of depression?
Chronic diseases, history of mania, drug use, duration of symptoms, aggravating and relieving factors, social impact, and family history of psychiatric illness.
What laboratory tests are commonly performed in suspected cases of Major Depression disorder?
- CBC
- Serum chemistry panels
- Urinalysis
- TSH
- Pregnancy test
- Urine toxicology screen
What are some medical conditions that can cause depression?
- Hypothyroidism
- Parkinson disease
What medications are known to potentially cause depression?
- Corticosteroids
- ß-blockers
- Antipsychotics
- Reserpine
What is the initial treatment for Major Depression disorder?
Medication and psychotherapy.
What is the first-line medication for treating Major Depression disorder?
SSRI starting with a low dose.
Fill in the blank: The CAGE questionnaire is used to assess _______.
alcohol use disorders.
True or False: Combination treatment of medication and psychotherapy is less effective than either alone.
False.
What should be done if depression is suspected to be caused by substance disorders?
Treat with detoxification.
