WEEK 12: Mental Health Flashcards
What are the diagnostic indicators for depression?
Having five of the following symptoms may inform a diagnosis of depression: depressed mood for 2+ weeks, loss of interest in things normally enjoyed, changes in appetite, changes in sleep patterns, restlessness or slowness, poor concentration, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, suicidal ideation or thoughts.
How does depression compare to general feelings of sadness?
General sadness is a mood that comes and goes in most individuals. It is a natural part of life but is usually not as long lasting or as impactful as depression.
Which neurotransmitters are of key interest in the physiology of depression?
Certain monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin
Which brain structures are of key interest in the physiology of depression?
The frontal lobes and the hippocampus.
T or F
The physiology of depression can include hormonal abnormalities.
T
T or F
Blunted circadian rhythms and sleep patterns can be indicators of depression.
T
T or F
Depression can increase hippocampal volumes in the brain.
F
Depression can decrease hippocampal volumes in the brain.
As well as causing a decrease in hippocampal volumes, depression can also decrease the size of the brains ….
frontal lobes.
Approximately…% of adults will struggle with depression in their lifetime.
10%
Serotonin is also known as …
5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT in short.
Serotonin is synthesised from …
tryptophan (an α-amino acid)
Serotonin is loaded into vesicles via the ….
vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT).
Serotonin undergoes …-mediated exocytosis
calcium
Once serotonin is released into the synaptic cleft it binds to …
5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HTr)
When 5-hydroxytryptamine binds to 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors it produces a … effect.
serotonergic
Once serotonin has acted on 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors in the synaptic cleft it is reabsorbed into the presynaptic cell via the …
serotonin transporter (SERT)
Once serotonin has acted on 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors in the synaptic cleft it is reabsorbed into the presynaptic cell via the … and is reloaded into …
serotonin transporter (SERT)
vesicles
What does the monoamine theory of depression state?
there is a deficiency of monoamine neurotransmitters within the brain. Deficiencies of ley monoamines including serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline lead to symptoms of depression.
T or F
Most of the mechanisms of action of the drugs used to treat patients with depression are effective in increasing synaptic concentrations of monoamines.
T
T or F
All patients with depression experience a decrease in symptoms when exposed to monoamine-increasing drugs.
F
Tricyclic antidepressants block what 2 receptors and 2 transporters?
- serotonin transporter (SERT)
- norepinephrine transporter (NET)
- histamine H3 receptor (H3r)
- Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (MAChr)
Acetylcholine reuptake into presynaptic neurons occurs via…
diffusion after degradation from acetylcholinesterase (ACE)
Adrenaline reuptake into presynaptic neurons occurs via…
the norepinephrine transporter (NET)
Why is it not recommended to drink alcohol when depressed?
It tends to worsen the depression. It also interacts with TCAs, increasing sedation.
Side effects of TCAs include…
a dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, sedation, sexual problems and weight gain.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) block the reuptake of … and … in presynaptic terminals
serotonin (5-HT)
noradrenaline (NA)
Tricyclic antidepressants act as competitive antagonists on post-synaptic …, … and … receptors.
post-synaptic cholinergic, muscarinic, and histaminergic receptors (H1).
T or F
The adverse effects of tricyclic antidepressants are largely due to the interactions with non-monoamine associated receptors.
T
Due to tricyclic antidepressants blockade of …., these drugs can lead to blurred vision, constipation, xerostomia, confusion, urinary retention, and tachycardia.
cholinergic receptors
TCAs may cause cardiovascular complications, including sudden cardiac death in patients with pre-existing ….
ischemic heart disease.
Due to the blockade of …., TCAs can cause orthostatic hypotension and dizziness.
alpha-1 adrenergic receptors
Due to the blockade of …., TCAs can cause sedation, increased appetite, weight gain, and confusion.
histamine (H1) receptors
TCAs are the second-line treatment for … after the failure of other treatments.
fibromyalgia
What conditions (other than depression) can TCAs be used to treat?
migraine prophylaxis, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain conditions such as myofascial pain, diabetic neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia.
What does SNRIs stand for?
Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors
What is the major difference between TCAs and SNRIs?
Reduced side effects. SNRIs have minimal affinity and therefore minimal antagonism for the H1 histaminergic and muscarinic receptors. This means there are reduced sedation and cardiovascular effects.
T or F
TCAs have minimal affinity for H1 histaminergic and muscarinic receptors.
F
SNRIs do
SNRIs increase the concentrations of … and … in the synaptic cleft.
noradrenaline and serotonin
T or F
SNRIs are more specific than TCAs in their antagonism of targets.
T
The first line treatment in most patients diagnosed with depression involves …
selective serotoninergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
In normal functioning, … detect the presence of serotonin that is released into the synaptic gap following an action potential by the serotonergic neuron itself.
autoreceptors
T or F
Activation of the autoreceptor leads to gradual reduction in serotonin release – a negative feedback process.
T
T or F
Deactivation of the post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors are key for anti-depressant effects
F
Activation