PBL 4: The Will to Live Flashcards
What is a mental state examination?
Tool used by doctors to help make psychiatric diagnoses by evaluating: Appearance. - Behaviour. - Speech and form of thought. - Mood. - Thought content. - Cognition. - Insight. - Other psychotic symptoms. - Perceptions
What is CBT?
Form of therapy which changes the way you think about situations
What is citalopram?
SSRI drug used to treat depression (selective serotonin reuptake)
What is mirtazapine?
NaSSA drug used to treat atypical depression (Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant)
What are S+S of depression?
Very low mood. Anhedonia; the inability to enjoy pleasure from activities. Self-hatred. Insomnia. Changes in appetite and/or weight loss. Reduced libido. Loss of motivation. Suicidal thoughts. Fatigue. Headaches.
How long must symptoms be present for to diagnose depression?
2 Weeks
What classifications of depression are there?
Subthreshold
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Risk factors of depression?
Older age. Unemployed. Other mental disorders. Drug abuse. Low socio-economic status. Certain professions. Trauma. Certain medication. Chronic illness. Genetics.
What genetic links are there to depression?
5-HTTLPR gene (serotonin transporter promotor)
CRHR1 - HPA axis gene
What is unipolar depression
Express only depression - no mania
Usually related to trauma
What is bipolar?
Express both depression and mania - occurs earlier than unipolar and genetically linked
What is the monoamine theory?
Depression is associated with decreased aminergic transmission
What evidence is there for monoamine theory?
- 5-HTTLPR mutations have a link to depression.
- Issues with dopamine transmission have been linked to depression.
- Increased MOA activity has also been associated with depression.
What indicates more complex relationship in monoaine theory?
Antidepressants instantly restore amine levels but take weeks to work
What is delay of onset of drugs?
Desensitiation of autoreceptors e.g. 5HT1a as over time they will de-sensitize to drugs so will increase their firing rate again
What do tricyclic antidepressants do?
Inhibit reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline as well as affecting H1 and A1 receptors
Give examples of tricyclic antidepressants
Amitrityline
Clomipramine
Imipramine
Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants?
Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Constipation
Postural hypotension
What do monoamine oxidase inhibitors do?
Inhibit action of MAO to increase neurotransmitter levels
What does MAOa do?
Break down serotonin, adrenaline and noradrenaline