RAT 3 Flashcards
What are the causal factors of antidepressants?
Antidepressants primarily target serotonin levels, based on the chemical imbalance theory, but their effectiveness is debated. Social, environmental, and psychological factors also play a major role in depression.
When given a medical treatment, what two things are patients given?
Patients receive the active ingredient of the treatment and the placebo effect, which can significantly impact outcomes.
What did Irving Kirsch’s research reveal about antidepressants?
Kirsch found that the difference between antidepressants and placebos was often minimal, suggesting much of the benefit comes from expectation rather than the drug itself.
What’s the relationship between grief and depression?
Grief and depression share similar symptoms, but grief is often seen as a natural response to loss, while depression is pathologized despite having overlapping causes.
Why are people living in poverty more likely to become depressed?
Economic insecurity increases stress, limits access to resources, and fosters feelings of helplessness, all of which contribute to depression.
What is endogenous depression?
It refers to depression thought to originate from biological or genetic factors rather than external events.
What is reactive depression?
Reactive depression is triggered by life events, such as trauma, loss, or chronic stress.
What points are made regarding the biopsychosocial model for depression and anxiety?
Depression and anxiety are not just biological issues but also stem from psychological and social disconnections, requiring a holistic approach to treatment.
What does being disconnected from work mean and how might it contribute to depression/anxiety?
It refers to feeling unfulfilled, undervalued, or powerless in one’s job, leading to a lack of purpose and increased stress.
What is disempowerment and how does it affect people?
Disempowerment occurs when people feel they have no control over their lives, leading to learned helplessness, anxiety, and depression.
How are physical and mental health related to loneliness?
Loneliness triggers stress responses that weaken the immune system and increase the risk of both physical illness and mental distress.
Define loneliness.
Loneliness is the subjective feeling of being socially or emotionally disconnected from others, even when surrounded by people.
Why might depressed and anxious people receive less love?
Depression and anxiety can make people withdraw, appear irritable, or struggle to connect, leading to social rejection or isolation.
What is the relationship between technology (including social media) and loneliness?
While technology can connect people, excessive social media use often replaces deep relationships with superficial interactions, increasing loneliness.
What is the difference between meaningful values and junk values?
Meaningful values come from intrinsic fulfillment (e.g., relationships, purpose), whereas junk values are externally driven (e.g., wealth, status) and often fail to provide lasting happiness.
What are the reasons junk values contribute to depression and anxiety?
Junk values promote materialism and social comparison, leading to chronic dissatisfaction and feelings of inadequacy.
What’s the significance of the ACEs study?
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study showed that early trauma significantly increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Why might we prefer to think of depression and anxiety as brain diseases?
Viewing them as brain diseases simplifies treatment (e.g., medication) and reduces stigma, but it also ignores social and environmental factors.
What is meant by labeling depression a “submission response?”
Depression can be seen as an evolutionary response to adversity, where people withdraw as a way to conserve energy and avoid further harm.
What is the connection between nature and depression/anxiety?
Exposure to nature reduces stress, boosts mood, and provides a sense of connection, which counters depression and anxiety.
What is the relationship between insecurity, identity, and depression/anxiety?
When people base their self-worth on unstable factors like external validation, they become more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.
What does neuroplasticity have to do with depression and anxiety?
Neuroplasticity shows that the brain can change over time, meaning depression and anxiety are not fixed conditions but can improve with new experiences and behaviors.
What is the role of genetics in depression and anxiety?
Genetics play a role but do not determine fate, as environmental factors and experiences heavily influence mental health.
Why might we prefer to think about depression and anxiety as genetic or as originating in the brain?
It provides a clear, biological explanation and justifies medical treatments, but it risks ignoring deeper social and psychological causes.
Why might people in the United States have limited success when trying to be happier?
Many pursue happiness through materialism and individualism rather than meaningful connections and purpose.
Define social prescribing.
Social prescribing is a healthcare approach that encourages non-medical interventions, such as community engagement, exercise, and creative activities, to improve mental health.
Why is the biggest job of the doctor (or other clinician) to listen?
Listening validates a person’s experience, fosters trust, and helps uncover deeper social or emotional contributors to distress.
What is the connection between business cooperatives and alleviating depression/anxiety?
Worker cooperatives give people more control, purpose, and social support, reducing stress and improving mental well-being.
What point is made with the two questions: “What do you spend your money on?” and “What do you really value?”
There is often a disconnect between what people truly value and how they spend their time and money, which can contribute to dissatisfaction.
What is sympathetic joy and what does meditation have to do with it?
Sympathetic joy is finding happiness in others’ success, and meditation can cultivate this mindset, reducing envy and increasing well-being.
What is the connection between meditation and psychedelics with regard to depression and anxiety?
Both can help people break out of rigid thought patterns, increase emotional flexibility, and foster a sense of connection.
Why might a healthy relationship with the ego seem threatening?
Letting go of ego-driven identity can be unsettling, as it challenges deeply ingrained beliefs about self-worth and control.
What is the value of sharing with another a shameful experience?
Sharing shame reduces its power, fosters connection, and helps individuals process and heal from painful emotions.
In what ways might a basic universal income affect depression and anxiety?
It could reduce financial stress, provide stability, and give people more freedom to pursue meaningful activities.
How might depression and anxiety expose sanity?
Depression and anxiety can be rational responses to an unhealthy society, highlighting systemic issues rather than just individual dysfunction.
