L11 - Biological basis of anxiety, anxiety disorders and depression

Question 1

What is the stress response?

Answer 1

Cascade of hormonal events releasing corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and stress hormones (glucocorticoids and adrenaline).

Activated by actual or anticipated threats.

Glucocorticoids exert negative feedback to decrease CRF release.

Question 2

What is the homeostatic response?

Answer 2

anxiety is a normal response to stress, leading to physiological adaptations to return to a set point

Question 3

How are reduced GABA activity and anxiety linked?

Answer 3

Produces anxiety in animal models

Question 4

How are Benzodiazepines and anxiety linked?

Answer 4

Increase GABA function + are anxiolytic

Question 5

How are serotonin + anxiety linked?

Answer 5

positive link with anxiety, drugs affecting serotonin can reduce anxiety

Question 6

what drugs are used to treat anxiety

Answer 6

SRIs for social phobias, panic disorders, GAD and PTSD

given a nigher dosage than for depression

Bz - short-term relief
Alcohol

Psychological therapy mixed with drug treatments

Question 7

What are the treatments for depression?

Answer 7

Historical Treatments:
Pre-1950s: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), brain surgery, insulin shock.

First pharmacological treatment in 1950s: Iproniazid, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):
Prevent breakdown of neurotransmitters like dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin.

Monoamine Theory of Depression:
Depression is linked to decreased function of monoamines (serotonin and noradrenaline).

Antidepressant Treatments:
Increase levels of these neurotransmitters in the synapse.
MAOIs: Prevent breakdown.
Reuptake Inhibitors: Block reuptake, increasing synaptic concentration.
SSRIs, NRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants.

However, not all patients respond to one type of drug; often used in combination.