Depression Flashcards
Pathophysiology
- Genetic Factors
- Neurochemical factors
- Hormonal system
- Environmental factors
- Environmental
Types of Depression (5)
- Major Depressive Disorder
- MDD with Melancholia
- Psychotic Depression
- Persistant depressive disorder
- Perinatal depression
Biogenetic Amine Hypothesis
Monoamines include neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline-D is caused by a deficiency in amines. Effects the adrenergic/serotoninergic pathways
Biogenetic Amine Hypothesis Treatment
- MAOI-Blocks the metabolism of noradrenaline and serotonin via inhibition of MOA
- TCA- block the re-uptake of neurotransmitter into the neuron for the re-synthesis
Permissive Hypothesis
Control of emotional behaviour results from balance between noradrenaline and serotonin. Belief that serotonin controls noradrenaline levels. Both manic phases and the depressive phases are characterised by low central serotonin function
Hypothalamic-pituatary-adrenal system
Composed of noradrenergic and serotogenic systems which when activated result in depression
Stress
HPA Axis stimulates to secrete corticotrophin-releasing hormone which stimulates pituitary gland to produce cortisol
excessive stress
High cortisol levels damage the feedback loop that turn off the release of cortisol so HPA axis becomes overstimulated
Brain Abnormalities
- Hippocampus = loss in volume
- Hyper intensive Lesions
- Led to theory of Vascular depression (reduced blood flow)