VC - Depression I Flashcards
What is the typical method for Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders? (2)
- Based on categorisation: inclusion (what you have) and exclusion (what you don’t have)
- Clinical classification by experts
What are the Key Classification Systems used in psychiatry? (2)
- DSM-V (Diagnostic Statistical Manual): Primarily used for mental disorders
- ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases): Global standard for diagnosing health conditions
What are some Pros and Cons of psychiatric disorder classification? (4)
Pros
- Has improved diagnosis
Cons
- Does not address symptom overlap (co-morbidities)
- Fails to define specific disease causation
- Lack of Pathophysiological Definitions:
Does not provide insights into the underlying biological mechanisms.
What is a key issue with Categorisation in psychiatric disorders?
- It doesn’t consider dimensional expression or the causes of psychiatric disorders
Focus is on categorical diagnoses, not the spectrum or severity of symptoms
What is a key issue with diagnosing Schizoaffective Disorder? (2)
- It is a hybrid disorder with schizophrenia and mood disorder features
- Each case may present a unique course, complicating diagnosis and treatment
What is the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)? (2)
- A framework developed by the NIMH to understand the underlying biological and psychological mechanisms of mental disorders
- Focuses on research domains instead of traditional diagnostic categories
What are the Domains in the RDoC approach? (6)
- Negative Valence
- Positive Valence
- Cognitive Systems
- Systems for Social Processes
- Arousal/Regulatory Systems
- Sensorimotor Systems
Studies brain function at levels like genes, cells, circuits, and behavior
What is Unipolar Depression? (3)
- A pathophysiology of mood
- Affects how individuals feel about themselves and interact with the world
- Hard to model in preclinical settings
How can Better Classification improve psychiatric diagnosis and treatment? (2)
- Clearer indication of pathology: Focuses on mechanisms, not just symptom presentation
- Helps in understanding biological, psychological, and environmental factors, leading to better interventions
What is the Evolutionary Perspective on depression? (2)
- Concentration on negative stimuli may have been selected for in evolution to increase awareness of threats
- However, sustained negative thoughts in depression can impair overall functioning and well-being
Which Biological Pathways are involved in mood regulation and focus?
- Pathways controlling focus: Prefrontal cortex regulates focus and attention, affecting mood and behavior
- Modulation of focus pathways: Serotonin(5-HT) is a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood and cognitive function
These two represent biological function. Disruption of any of these will lead to a disease/dysfunctional state
What are the Primary Indicators of depression? (3)
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Fatigue or low energy most days
Analysed through observation or questionnaire
What is the Persistence of Behaviour criterion for diagnosing depression?
Symptoms must persist for at least 2 weeks for a diagnosis to be considered.
What are some Associated Symptoms of depression? (7)
- Disturbed sleep
- Poor concentration or indecisiveness
- Low self-confidence
- Poor or increased appetite
- Suicidal thoughts or acts
- Agitation or slowing of movements
- Guilt or self-blame
How is Depression Severity classified based on symptoms?
Not depressed – Fewer than four symptoms
Mild depression – Four symptoms
Moderate depression – Five to six symptoms
Severe depression – Seven or more symptoms (with or without psychosis)
Symptoms should be present for a month or more and every symptom should be present for most of every day.
