Depression Flashcards
What is the definition of depression?
Low mood or absence of positive affect that is usually accompanied by an assortment of emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioural symptoms
What causes depression?
It is thought to be caused by a depletion of brain neurotransmitters
Which neurotransmitters are implicated in depression?
Serotonin, Noradrenaline, Dopamine
What are the classifications?
Mild, moderate and severe
Is it common?
Yes it is the most common psychiatric disorder and affects 5% of adults at any one time
Who is affected?
It can affect anyone but generally more women (2.5:1)
Risk Factors (9)
Female, pregnancy (post-natal), previous episode, significant physical illness causing pain or disability, bereavement, abuse, other mental health problems e.g Dementia, afro-caribbean, refugees/asylum seekers
Symptoms (12)
Persistent sadness/low mood, loss of interest/pleasure in most activities, fatigue/loss of energy, worthlessness, excessive guilt, recurrent thoughts of death/suicide, lack of concentration, psychomotor agitation, insomnia/hypersomnia, changes in appetite, weight loss, loss/increased libido
What is mild depression?
Few symptoms
What is moderate depression?
Symptoms and some functional impairment
What is severe depression?
Most symptoms with marked functional interference
Differentials? (6)
Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Bereavement, Drugs
Investigations (4)
Screening questions, PHQ-9 questionnaire, HAD scale, Bloods/MRI to rule out any organic cause
Treatment for Mild Depression (4)
Careful monitoring, CBT/Counselling, Relaxation therapy, Antidepressant e.g Fluoexetine, Citalopram, Cirtraline (SSRIs)
Treatment for Severe Depression (5)
SSRIs, Tricyclic Antidepressants e.g Amitriptyline, SNRIs, High intensity psychological therapy, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Urgent psychiatric assessment if suicidal
