MDD Therapeutics Flashcards
Describe the mood spectrum
There is a spectrum of experienced moods, ranging from severe depression to severe elated mood (or mania)
Fluctuations in mood are normal (and again, some would say essential to a balanced and fulfilling life)
Persistent episodes in extreme ends of the spectrum, or rapid fluctuations that impair functioning are not normal (miss school school, contribute to relationships, work)
Define MDD
Persistently and abnormally low mood, characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness or irritability, and accompanied by other somatic or cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function
Impact on life: Socially, academically, etc.
Global Prevalence of MDD
Global lifetime prevalence ~ 11-18%
Annual prevalence of MDD. How many sought treatment?
Annual prevalence (Canada 2012) ~4-5%
63% sought treatment, 28% spent 27-52w depressed in past year
Sex differences in MDD?
~2x more likely in female > male sex
Average age of onset?
Avg age onset: mid-20s; 40% before age 20
Global Disease Burden of MDD?
depressive disorders 2nd leading cause disability worldwide
What is the dx burden of MDD?
(2nd leading cause of disability worldwide
↑ CVD risk & ↑ morbidity/mortality in those with established CVD
↑ complications from other medical conditions
(Chronic pain, diabetes, infections, malignancy, Parkinson’s disease, inflammatory bowel disorder)
Impaired QOL
Impaired social & occupational functioning
What is occupation dysfunction?
increase absenteeism, impaired concentration, depressed mood.
What is cognitive dysfunction?
more strongly association with loss of work place productivity than depression severity (affects attention, verbal/auditory processing, problem solving, processing speed/motor functioning)
Age of onset depression
Average age of onset is late 20s (can occur at any age)
Sharp increase between ages 12-16 years
Increases up to early 40s
Can develop over days to weeks but may develop suddenly
May occur after significant life stressor
What is the etyiology of MDD?
Complex, mulifactorial (developmental, biologic, environmental)
What are the proposed theories of MDD pathophysiology?
Monoamine Hypothesis (5HT, NE, DA)
Neuroplasticity Hypothesis
Endocrine and Immune System Abnormalities
Structural and Functional Alterations identified in brain regions involving emotional processing
Describe the monoamine hypothesis
Dysfunction in monoamine production (i.e. low 5HT = depression)
Dysregulation in monoamine activity (i.e. decreased 5HT activity in presynaptic areas = upregulated autoreceptors(negative feedback) = less 5HT in synapse)
Monoamines = serotonin, norepi, dopa
What theory are MDD medications based off of? Is it fully correct?
Monoamine Hypothesis
This is the oldest theory and the one most of our medications are based off of, even though it still fails to fully explain variability in response, delayed response, or lack of response
Describe the neuroplasticity hypothesis.What type of drugs work here?
Downstream effects -> altered cell growth and adaptation
E.g. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Growth factor that regulates survival of neurons, important for structural integrity & neuroplasticity
Lower levels BDNF observed in people with depression
Chronic stress may suppress BDNF expression in hippocampus
E.g. drugs that restore balance to glutamate/GABA
Describe endocrine and immune system abnormalities
increased plasma cortisol, increased peripheral cytokine concentrations
Chronic Stress Model- involves hypothalamic-pituitary-axis
Describe structural and functional alterations
Structural and functional alterations identified in brain regions involving emotional processing
Reduced volume or hyperactivity in prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, amygdala
Modulated by monoaminergic neurotransmission
What is the patho of MDD simple?
Complex and not completely known
It is now recognized that psychiatric symptoms correlate with malfunctioning brain circuits and that restoring neurotransmitter activity in these circuits leads to recovery.
What are some MDD risk factors?
Genetics
Blood relatives with a history of MDD, bipolar disorder, alcoholism or completed suicide
Life Experiences
Traumatic or stressful events such as physical/sexual abuse, death or loss of a loved one, relationship or financial problems
Personality Disorders
(30%)
Personality traits such as low self-esteem and being overly dependent, self-critical, or pessimistic
Substance Use
Alcohol or recreational substances
Medical Comorbidities (85%)
Anemia, HIV, heart failure, hypothyroidism, CVA, MS, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, pain
How is MDD diagnosed?
DSM-5
What are the symptoms of depression in DSM-5?
What is the diagnostic criteria of MDD in the DSM-5?
(A)
At least 5 sxs
At least 1 sx must be depressed mood or anhedonia
Present nearly every day for at least a 2 wk period
B)
Symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning
C)
Episode is not attributable to direct physiologic effects of a substance of another medication
D)
MDD is not better explained by a different mental illness
E)
There has never been a manic or hypomanic episod
DSM-5 Classification of MDD Severity
Mild= 5 or 6 sxs, minimal functional impairment
Severe = nearly all sxs, significant functional impairment or motor impairment