Exam 2 Review Flashcards
What is the effect of chronic stress on cortisol levels?
Chronic stress leads to high levels of cortisol, which can damage brain areas like the hippocampus and disrupt mood regulation.
Which thyroid condition can contribute to depressive symptoms?
Hypothyroidism.
How do inflammatory molecules affect brain function?
Inflammatory molecules (cytokines) can alter neurotransmitter levels and disrupt mood regulation.
What neurotransmitters are commonly associated with depression?
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
What structural brain changes are often seen in people with depression?
- Reduced size or activity in the prefrontal cortex
- Reduced size in the hippocampus
- Overactivity in the amygdala
What psychosocial factor can trigger depression?
Life events such as trauma, loss, or chronic stress.
What genetic factor is associated with an increased risk of depression?
Certain genes related to serotonin and stress responses.
What is the role of dopamine in bipolar disorder?
High dopamine activity is associated with manic episodes, while low dopamine activity is linked to depressive episodes.
What is the significance of serotonin in mood regulation?
Serotonin helps stabilize mood, and low levels may contribute to depressive phases.
What is a common brain structure affected in both depression and bipolar disorder?
Hippocampus.
What are the goals of treating depression?
- Relieve depressive symptoms
- Restore normal neurotransmitter balance
- Improve functional recovery
- Prevent relapse & recurrence
- Enhance quality of life
- Minimize side effects of treatment
- Provide personalized & holistic care
What is the effect of antidepressants on serotonin levels?
Antidepressants like SSRIs increase serotonin levels by preventing its reabsorption into neurons.
What is the relationship between norepinephrine levels and depression?
Low norepinephrine is linked to fatigue, lack of motivation, and poor concentration.
What is the role of the amygdala in depression?
Overactivity in the amygdala leads to increased fear, sadness, and emotional sensitivity.
What structural changes in the brain are linked to chronic stress and depression?
- Hippocampus shrinkage
- Prefrontal cortex atrophy
- Amygdala changes
Which neurotransmitter is often depleted in depression and affects motivation?
Dopamine.
Fill in the blank: Chronic stress leads to high levels of ________, which can damage brain structures.
cortisol
True or False: Genetic factors have no role in the development of bipolar disorder.
False
What does increased glutamate contribute to in bipolar disorder?
Manic episodes.
What is the impact of antidepressants on neuroplasticity?
Antidepressants increase neuroplasticity, helping the brain adapt and form new connections.
What is the effect of chronic inflammation on neurotransmitter levels?
Chronic inflammation is linked to changes in serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate.
What is the relationship between the prefrontal cortex and emotional regulation in depression?
Decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex leads to poor emotional control and decision-making.
What is neurogenesis?
Growth of new neurons
Neurogenesis is crucial for improving memory and emotional stability.
How does depression affect the hippocampus?
Depression shrinks the hippocampus
The hippocampus is essential for memory and mood regulation.
What role does BDNF play in the brain?
Restores hippocampal volume and improves memory, resilience to stress, and emotional stability
BDNF stands for brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
What happens to cortisol levels in chronic stress?
Cortisol levels elevate
Elevated cortisol can damage the hippocampus.
What effect do antidepressants have on cortisol?
Lower cortisol levels
This helps reduce stress-related symptoms like fatigue and anxiety.
How do antidepressants impact sleep patterns?
Normalize sleep patterns by stabilizing serotonin and norepinephrine
Some antidepressants can improve appetite and sleep.
What is cognitive impairment in the context of depression?
Slow thinking, poor concentration, and memory problems
These symptoms may persist even after mood improvement.
What are possible solutions for cognitive impairment in depression?
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive training
- Stimulant medications (e.g., modafinil, bupropion)
What is anhedonia?
Inability to feel pleasure
This condition can persist despite mood improvement.
What is the effect of SSRIs on dopamine?
Do not significantly boost dopamine levels
Dopamine is crucial for pleasure and reward.
What interventions can help with emotional numbness?
- Dose adjustments
- Medication switches (e.g., bupropion instead of SSRIs)
- Therapy to enhance emotional awareness
What are common sleep disturbances associated with depression?
Insomnia or hypersomnia
These issues can persist despite mood improvements.
What solutions exist for sleep disturbances in depression?
- Adding sedating agents (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone)
- Improving sleep hygiene
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
What is the role of the HPA axis in mood disorders?
Regulates stress response and cortisol release
Dysregulation can lead to excessive cortisol secretion.
What happens to the HPA axis in depression?
Overactivation leads to excessive cortisol secretion
Chronic high cortisol damages the hippocampus.
What is the relationship between serotonin and mood regulation?
Regulates mood, anxiety, and emotional stability
Low serotonin levels are linked to sadness and suicidal thoughts.
What is the monoamine hypothesis?
Suggests that monoamines regulate mood and that their depletion leads to depression
Key monoamines include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
What are the limitations of the monoamine hypothesis?
- Antidepressants take weeks to improve symptoms
- Some patients do not respond to monoamine-based treatments
How does norepinephrine affect serotonin release?
Enhances serotonin release through α1-adrenergic receptors
This interaction explains the effectiveness of SNRIs.
What is the impact of chronic HPA axis dysregulation?
- Neurotoxicity & brain atrophy
- Neurotransmitter disruptions
- Inflammation & neuroplasticity reduction
What is the role of the amygdala in the HPA axis?
Stimulates HPA axis activity by enhancing CRH release
An overactive amygdala contributes to excessive stress responses.
What neurotransmitter dysfunction is linked to high cortisol?
Serotonin (5-HT) dysfunction
High cortisol reduces serotonin activity, increasing feelings of sadness and anxiety.
