Neurobiology

Question 1

what changes in the appetitive functioning system of the brain are seen in depression

Answer 1

difficulty identifying
“rewarding” stimuli

reduced contact with previously rewarding stimuli

increased contact with aversive stimuli

overall reduction of behaviour

Question 2

what changes in the appetitive functioning system of the brain are seen in mania/hypomania

Answer 2

previously neutral stimuli become “rewarding”

increased exploration/ overall activity

increased “appetite” for food, activity, sex etc….

intolerant of “aversion” / boredom

intolerant of frustration

Question 3

what endocrine changes are seen in major depression

Answer 3

• increased secretion of ACTH
• increased secretion of CORT
• elevated CORT in urine, saliva
• increased CRH in CSF
• blunted ACTH to CRH
• enlarged adrenal glands

Question 4

what neurones in the brain show stress in depression

Answer 4

hippocampal neurones

Question 5

what changes in neuroanatomy are seen in depression

Answer 5

smaller frontal lobes and decrease in hippocampal volume

Question 6

what area of the brain is thought to be heavily involved in bipolar disorder

Answer 6

Brodmann Area 24 (part of the anterior cingulate)