Depression Flashcards
What are the 2 patterns of depressive states?
Unipolar - low level of mood affecting QoL. Dysthymia = low level, chronic, MDD - clinical depression
Treated with CBT and antidepressants
Bipolar - recurrent episodes of mania and depression. Bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, low level
Treated with antipsychotics
Name 2 key symptoms of depression
Persistent sadness or low mood and/or
Marked loss of interests or pleasure
What other symptoms should be looked out for if 2 key symptoms are present?
Disturbed sleep (more/less)
Decreased/increased appetite
Fatigue or loss of energy
Agitation/slowing of movements
Poor concentration or indecisiveness
Feeling worthless, excess inappropriate guilt
Suicidal thoughts or acts
What are the 3 grades of major depressive disorder?
Mild depression - few symptoms that result in only minor functional impairment
Moderate depression - symptoms or functional impairment are between ‘mild’ and ‘severe’
Severe depression - most symptoms that markedly interfere with functioning +/- psychosis
Which 2 areas of the brain are increased in depression?
Amygdala
Hypothalamus
Which 2 areas of the brain are decreased in depression?
Prefrontal cortex
Hippocampus
What are the 4 main theories for depression?
Neurotransmitter
- 5HT
- NA
Neurohormonal
- Steroids
- HPA axis (stress, anxiety)
Immune (?auto)
Circadian
What are the 4 main theories for depression?
Neurotransmitter
- 5HT
- NA
Neurohormonal
- Steroids
- HPA axis (stress, anxiety)
Immune (?auto)
Circadian
Where is the main site of 5HT production?
Raphe Nuclei
brainstem
Where is the main sites of NA production?
Locus Coeruleus - projects the cortex and thalamus
Lateral tegmental area - projects to cerebellum + spinal cord
Where is the main sites of NA production?
Locus Coeruleus
Lateral tegmental area
Describe the reactions between 5HT and NA
Interactions in the brainstem speed activity (cell body end)
Interactions in the cortex slow activity (dendrite end)
Describe the reactions between 5HT and NA
Interactions in the brainstem speed activity
Interactions in the cortex slow activity
What are the 5 main treatments for depression?
CBT
Pharmacological
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
What are the 4 main families of drugs to treat depression?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI-A)
Atypical Antidepressants
What are 2 major side effects of ECT?
Memory loss
Short term muscle aches
What are the first line SSRIs?
Sertraline
Citalopram