Depression Flashcards
What is depression?
Illness related to imbalance of natural humor in the body called the black bile
Important brain areas to depression are?
Hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala
Risk factors of depression?
- Gender (female)
- Family history in mental illness
- Sleep disorder, insomnia
- Stressful change in life patterns
- Low socioeconomic status
- Chronic physical or mental disorders
Hereditary?
Know to run in families, suggesting that genetic factors contribute to risk of development. Most affecting are environmental factors. If siblings or parent have depression -> 3x bigger change to get it.
-Very little is know about the genetic basis
What is depression gene?
Chromosome 3p25-26
What is used as treatment in depression?
- Antidepressants (achieve their therapeutic effect via gradual process, enchained plasticity). These do not directly improve mood, but gradual process of plasticity -> mood recovery!. They inhibit e.g. serotonin uptake (depression is lack of serotonin), increase plasticity..
- Increase neurogenesis
- TMS (regions affected are simulated by repeating magnetic pulses -> improve symptoms)
- DBS
- Provide someone to talk with
HUOM! All antidepressant affect to brain transmitters.
Basic mechanism of depression?
- Too little plasticity
- Lack of serotonin (failure in one or more steps in synaptic transmission)
- Neurogenesis (change in the rate of new neuron formation might underlie depressive illness)
Diagnosis of depression?
Need to fill out criteria:
A) Five or more of the following symptoms during 2-week period and represent change from previous functioning: Depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, feel of guilt / worthlessness etc
B) Impairment in social areas
C) condition can not be explained by any other disease
D) Not better explained by any other psychotic disorder
E) Never been manic/hypomanic episode
