lecture 4 Flashcards
aetiology
study of the causation/origination of a disorder
diathesis stress model
genetics and environment
heritability twin studies
37% for MDD
93% for bipolar disorder
2 polymorphisms related to vulnerability to develop MDD
polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene and DRD4-2 gene- influence of dopamine
neurotransmitters initial assumption
absolute level of serotonin , dopamine in the synaptic cleft are associated with mood disorders either too high or low
depression is associated with
low dopamine and serotonin
mania is associated with
high dopamine and low serotonin
people with insensitive receptors experience
depressive symptoms as levels of serotonin drop
amygdala processes
emotions particularly fear- help assess how emotionally important a stimulus is
hippocampus what kind of activity for people with depression
diminished
overactivity in amygdala means
oversensitivity to emotionally relevant stimuli
hippocampus is related to
learning and memory
hpa axis does not seem to respond well to
biological signals to decrease cortisol levels
over secretion of cortisol results in
more people experiencing depressive symptoms
animal study evidence
cortisol levels high = depressive symptoms
social factors affecting depression
stressful life events, expressed emotion ,
expressed emotion
family members critical/hostile comments towards the person with depression
high ee = relapse
cognitive factor
becks negative triad- negative views of the self world and future
hopelessness theory
expectation that a desirable outcome will not occur- expectation that one has no skills available to change the situation - locus of control
rumination theory
tendency to ruminate- dwell on sad thoughts = increase risk of depression
treatment approaches for MDD cognitive therapy
depression is caused by Negative schemas and cognitive biases
what is cognitive therapys aim
alter maladaptive thought patterns
behavioural activation therapy
caused by a lack of positive experiences - low levels of positive reinforcement
aim of behavioural activation therapy
increase participation in positively reinforcing activities
interpersonal therapy
due to the inability to communicate with others
aim of interpersonal therapy
to identify major interpersonal problems and find solutions - one to one therapy
behavioural couples therapy
caused by relationship problems - works to improve communication and relationship satisfaction
biological treatment of mood disorders
medication and electroconvulsive therapy
drugs
50-70% show major improvement but a strong placebo effect
electroconvulsive therapy for depression
ECT is only used to treat people with MDD that have not responded to medication. 90% response rate but risk of short term confusion and memory loss
combining treatment for MDD
psychotherapy and antidepressants - improve chances of recovery by more than 10-20% above either one treatment alone
