Mood disorders

Question 1

Depression genetics

Answer 1

Early onset (before 30) have a high probability of having other relatives with depression, anxiety, adhd, drug abuse, etc.

Serotonin gene: if more of the transporter (responsible for reuptake of serotonin) then less serotonin

Question 2

Depression neuroimaging

Answer 2

FMRI: increased activity in amygdala

Decreased volume in PFC, hippocampus, amygdala, and basal ganglia

Decreased PF blood flow during resting state

Question 3

Haunted house example

Answer 3

Hippocampus is impaired (decreased volume) by amygdala still working.

Explains “gut feeling” that cannot be explained

Question 4

BAS theory

Answer 4

Behavioral Activation System

Left hemisphere: frontal and temporal lobes

Low to moderate autonomic arousal
Tendency to approach behavior in response to incentives
Happiness or anger

Question 5

BIS theory

Answer 5

Behavioral inhibition System

Right hemisphere: frontal and temporal lobes)

Increases attention and arousal
Inhibits action
Fear and disgust

Associated with less satisfaction with life

Question 6

Antidepressants

Answer 6

TCAs: block transporters that reabsorb serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine so that they are able to stimulate postsynaptic cell for a longer time. Also block histamine, acetylcholine, sodium channels : overall more side effects bc less specific

SSRIs: preferred. Inhibits reuptake of serotonin. Less side effects because only targets serotonin.

Question 7

Indirect effects of antidepressants

Answer 7

Lower levels of neurotrophins (BDNF) in depression which affects the hippocampus, less production of new hippocampal neurons, and impaired learning

Proliferation of new neurons in the hippocampus (ECT )

Question 8

Brain stimulation for depression

Answer 8

Area 25 (subcallosal cingulate gurus) - important area for serotonin connected the hypothalamus, amygdala, frontal lobe and others

DBS: deep brain stimulation
TMS: transcranial magnetic stimulation