Depression

Question 1

Very common after TBI, especially in severe cases

Name some symptoms:

Answer 1

Apathy
Insomnia
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue/feeling sluggish
Loss of appetite or overeating
Persistent sad, anxious or 'empty' mood
Feeling that time seems to slow down
Thoughts of death or attempts at suicide

Question 2

Depression - Side effects of Medications?

Antidepressants

Answer 2

AD

• Selective serotonin reputable inhibitors [SSRIs] inhibit 5HT re uptake
• Minimal effect in depression generally, but some effect on anxiety and in clinical cases such as stroke
• Can increase body temperature and random twitches
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MOAIs], potentially lethal dietary and drug interactions, monoamine oxidase inhibitors historically reserved as a last line of treatment
  [avoid various foods, avoid decongestant meds, RISK= hypertensive crisis]

Question 3

Depression - Benefits of Exercise

Answer 3

Ex promotes social contact, goal setting/routine and changes in body composition - good
Ex causes release of endorphins [happy hormones] and testosterone [confidence]:
-need intact pituitary gland and hypothalamus for effects of endorphins, testes/ovaries for testosterone
-endorphins released during both endurance and resistance ex, but testosterone release greater with large muscle mass strength training
-women’s proportional testosterone release similar to men, although levels lower.

Brainstem regions activated during exercise [especially serotonergic centres with locomotion]
Effects in brain in addition to the SC