Depression: Terms

Question 0

Melancholic Features

Answer 0

Severe form of endogenous depression (no environmental stressors); severe apathy, weight loss, profound guilt, early morning awakening, suicidal ideation; sx usually worse in morning

Question 1

Psychotic Features

Answer 1

Disorganized thinking, delusions, hallucinations

Question 2

Atypical Features

Answer 2

Dominant vegetative sx (overeating, oversleeping), slow psychomotor, concurrent anxiety; usually younger onset

Question 3

Catatonic Features

Answer 3

Nonresponsiveness, extreme psychomotor retardation, withdrawal, negativity

Question 4

Seasonal Features (Seasonal Affective Disorder; SAD)

Answer 4

Episodes begin in fall or winter & remit in spring; anergia, hypersomnia, overeating, weight gain, carb craving; responds to light therapy

Question 5

Dysthymic Disorder

Answer 5

Chronic depressive syndrome usually present for most of the day for at least 2 years; less severe form of depression

Question 6

Neurotransmitters & Depression

Answer 6

Low serotonin, norepinephrine (most commonly affected); dopamine, ACH, GABA

Question 7

Serotonin

Answer 7

Regulates sleep, appetite, libido

Question 8

Norepinephrine

Answer 8

Regulates attention, behavior

Question 9

Stress-Diathesis Model

Answer 9

Depression results from a dynamic interplay of biology and environment

Question 10

Cognitive Theory & Depression

Answer 10

A person’s thoughts will result in emotions (Beck)

Question 11

Learned Helplessness

Answer 11

Stressful situation results in anxiety initially, but turns to depression if person feels no control over the outcome of the situation (seligman)

Question 12

Psychomotor Agitation

Answer 12

Increased movement (i.e. pacing, wringing of hands)

Question 13

Psychomotor Retardation

Answer 13

Slowed movement

Question 14

Vegetative Sx of Depression

Answer 14

Alterations in activities necessary to support physical life & growth (eating, sleeping, elimination, sex)

Question 16

Adolescents & Depression

Answer 16

Sustained change in mood, thinking, motivation; possible promiscuity, alcohol/substance abuse

Question 17

Older Adults & Depression

Answer 17

Often expressed somatically

Question 18

Recovery: Acute Phase

Answer 18

Reduction of depressive sx & restoration of psychosocial and work function; 6-12 weeks

Question 19

Recovery: Continuation Phase

Answer 19

Prevention of relapse through pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, education; 4-9 months

Question 20

Recovery: Maintenance Phase

Answer 20

Prevention of further episodes; 1 year or more

Question 23

Children & Depression

Answer 23

Frequently seen as behavioral problems (i.e. irritability, disruptiveness)

Question 24

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Answer 24

Noninvasive tx with MRI strength magnetic pulses to stimulate focal areas of cerebral cortex

Question 25

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

Answer 25

Surgical procedure; pacemaker-like device implanted to stimulate vagus nerve when activated

Question 26

Light Therapy

Answer 26

First-line tx for SAD; 30-45 minutes exposure daily, morning most effective

Question 27

St. John’s Wart

Answer 27

Effective in tx of mild to moderate depression