Week 1.3: Emerging Focuses in Affective Disorders

Question 1

These devices are revolutionizing data collection in affective disorders research.

Answer 1

Smartphones and Smartwatches

Question 2

Uses accelerometers to track physical activity and assess sleep quality, amount, and timing.

Answer 2

Activity Monitoring (Actigraphy/Actimetry)

Question 3

Gathers data on application usage, call and text information, and activity levels. This can help detect relapses in bipolar disorder by monitoring changes in activity and sleep patterns

Answer 3

Passive Data Collection

Question 4

Analyzes speech and text for diagnostic accuracy, though privacy concerns limit its use

Answer 4

Speech/Text Data

Question 5

Involves prompting participants several times a day to provide real-time data on their moods and behaviors

Answer 5

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA)

Question 6

Are being developed to tailor data collection to specific research needs, improving the accuracy and relevance of the data collected

Answer 6

Smartphone Applications

Question 7

Refers to the collection of detailed, high-quality, and high-integrity data that provides rich, actionable insights.

Answer 7

Deep Data

Question 8

Is a type of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to analyze data and make predictions.

Answer 8

Machine Learning

Question 9

Occurs when a model is trained too closely to the training data, making it perform well on that data but poorly on new, unseen data

Answer 9

Overfitting

Question 10

How is ML used in Affective Disorders?

Answer 10

1) Diagnostic Differentiation
2) Predicting Treatment Outcomes
3) Relapse Detection

Question 11

Excessive or compulsive use of smartphones, which can lead to negative mental health outcomes

Answer 11

Problematic Smartphone Use

Question 12

What is the link between Social Media and Depression?

Answer 12

Research indicates a correlation between time spent on social media and increased symptoms of depression, especially among young people.

Excessive social media use can lead to feelings of isolation, poor self-esteem, and disrupted sleep, all of which contribute to depression

Question 13

Refers to a state of mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in difficult situations.

It involves maintaining a balanced and stable mindset, regardless of external circumstances or emotional challenges.

Answer 13

Equanimity

Question 14

Providing consistent, fair, and unbiased care to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring that everyone receives the same quality of treatment and support.

Answer 14

Equanimity of Care

Question 15

An innovative mental health intervention developed in Zimbabwe to bridge the mental health treatment gap.

It uses a CBT-based approach, specifically problem-solving therapy, delivered by trained lay health workers

Answer 15

The Friendship Bench

Question 16

Community volunteers, often referred to as “grandmothers,” who are trained to counsel patients

Answer 16

Lay Health Workers

Question 17

The inability to feel pleasure, a common symptom in depression.

Answer 17

Anhedonia

Question 18

Encourages looking at common features across different disorders to identify homogeneous sub-type

Answer 18

Transdiagnostic Approach

Question 19

Helps disentangle the heterogeneity of affective disorders and improve mechanistic understanding using advanced technologies

Answer 19

Computational Models

Question 20

Refers to the diversity and variability within affective disorders. This makes it difficult to achieve consistent research results.

Answer 20

Heterogeneity

Question 21

Traditional VS Modern Approaches in Affective Disorders

Answer 21

Traditional Approach: Relied on singular experiments based on previous theories, often resulting in reductionist models that missed complex interactions.

Modern Approach: Uses sophisticated computational models to reproduce brain processes mathematically, providing a more nuanced understanding.

Question 22

Mathematically explain relationships between neurobiology, environment, and symptoms.

Answer 22

Computational Psychiatry

Question 23

Include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play key roles in mood regulation and cognitive functions.

Answer 23

Monoamine Neuotransmitters

Question 24

Transdiagnostic VS Disorder-Specific Approaches to Affective Disorders

Answer 24

Transdiagnostic Approach: Focuses on common features across different disorders to identify homogeneous sub-types.
Example: Shared decision-making alterations in disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and schizophrenia.

Disorder-Specific Approach: Targets unique features specific to each disorder.
Example: Specific connectome fingerprints that predict responses to antidepressants in depression.

Question 25

The brain's ability to adapt and change.

Answer 25

Neuroplasticity

Question 26

Hormonal associations with affective disorders, particularly the stress hormone cortisol.

Answer 26

Neuroendocrine Theories

Question 27

Involves studying gut microbiota influencing mental health, with certain bacteria being more prevalent in people with affective disorders

Answer 27

Microbiomics

Question 28

Involves studying small molecules in the body, which can provide insights into metabolic changes associated with affective disorders

Answer 28

Metabolomics

Question 29

Modern neurobiological research aims to translate findings from the lab to clinical applications (bedside) to improve patient care

Answer 29

Translational Neurobiology

Question 30

This field involves sequencing individuals' genomes to predict their response to specific medications based on genetic data

Answer 30

Pharmacogenetics

Question 31

Are groups of researchers and institutions that work together on large-scale studies to pool resources, data, and expertise.

Answer 31

Collaborative Consortia

Question 32

Involve standardizing measurement tools and protocols across different studies to ensure consistency and comparability of data.

Answer 32

Harmonized Assessments

Question 33

Is a type of anesthetic that can cause dissociation (a feeling of being detached from reality). It works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which are involved in mood regulation.

Answer 33

Ketamine

Question 34

Can reduce depressive symptoms very quickly, often within hours.

Answer 34

Ketamine

Question 35

It is particularly effective for patients experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Answer 35

Ketamine

Question 36

It shows high effectiveness in reducing symptoms of both bipolar and unipolar depression. A single dose can reduce symptoms for up to two weeks, but the effect tends to diminish after that.

Answer 36

Ketamine

Question 37

Are hallucinogenic compounds that alter states of consciousness, affecting psychological, visual, and auditory experiences. They are being explored as treatments for unipolar depression due to their rapid-acting effects and unique mechanisms

Answer 37

Psychedelics

Question 38

Why is Psilocybin better than Ketamine?

Answer 38

Longer-lasting Effects Lower Risk of Dependence

Question 38

Is a hallucinogenic compound with anecdotal evidence suggesting mood-lifting effects for centuries.

Answer 38

Psilocybin

Question 39

Are substances that cause profound changes in perception, mood, and thought

Answer 39

Hallucinogens

Question 40

Involves stimulating the brain to alter its activity and improve symptoms of mental health conditions.

Answer 40

Neuromodulation

Question 41

One of the most well-evidenced neuromodulatory interventions.

Answer 41

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Question 42

Uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions, inducing electrical currents in brain tissues. It does not require surgery or anesthesia, making it easier and more acceptable to patients12.

Answer 42

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Question 43

Involves applying a low-amplitude electrical current through electrodes placed on the scalp. This targets brain activity near the surface to help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Answer 43

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS)

Question 44

Involves implanting electrodes in specific brain areas to deliver electrical impulses, similar to a pacemaker for the brain

Answer 44

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Question 45

Involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which influences brain activity

Answer 45

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

Question 46

Is considered one of the most effective treatments for mood disorders, with response rates up to 80%. Despite its effectiveness, ECT has negative connotations and must be administered carefully due to potential side effects

Answer 46

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Question 47

These medications are being trialed to treat mood symptoms by addressing biological abnormalities associated with mood disorders. Uniquely, these treatments have been effective for both depression and mania, unlike most treatments which typically target one pole more effectively.

Answer 47

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Question 48

Known for its mood-stabilizing properties and effectiveness in reducing suicidal thoughts

Answer 48

Lithium

Question 49

A psychological approach designed to stabilize circadian rhythms and improve overall mood. It is particularly beneficial for people with bipolar disorders, where disruptions in circadian rhythms are linked to both depressive and manic episodes

Answer 49

Interpersonal and Social Rythm Therapy (ISRT)

Question 50

These are strategies aimed at preventing the onset of affective disorders (like depression or bipolar disorder) before they occur. The idea is that preventing illness can reduce the overall burden of disability.

Answer 50

Preventative Interventions

Question 51

Programs designed to prevent suicide, often targeting those at risk.

Answer 51

Online Anti-Suicide Interventions

Question 52

The return of symptoms after a period of improvement.

Answer 52

Relapse

Question 53

Early signs that may indicate a potential relapse.

Answer 53

Prelapse

Question 54

An early symptom indicating the onset of a disease or disorder.

Answer 54

Prodrome

Question 55

These are non-medical approaches to prevent the onset of affective disorders. They often involve therapy and counseling.

Answer 55

Psychological Interventions

Question 56

These interventions involve the family in the treatment process, aiming to create a supportive environment for the individual.

Answer 56

Family-Focused Interventions

Question 57

How does a general non-responding population of people with affective disorders impact treatment response?

Answer 57

Evidence shows that high inflammation predicts poor response to psychological therapy and responds less well to antidepressants. High cortisol levels are found in patients who don't respond to antidepressants and respond less well to psychotherapies.

Question 58

These studies look back at existing data to see if the predictive model works. This step is crucial but has been a challenge in the field.

Answer 58

Retrospective Studies

Question 59

These studies test the predictive model in real-time as new data is collected. This involves setting predictive markers beforehand and testing them during treatment.

Answer 59

Prospective Studies

Question 60

These are studies conducted in real-world settings where patients receive usual care, and the predictive markers are tested as part of their treatment.

Answer 60

Naturalistic Studies

Question 61

These are more structured studies where researchers control various factors to ensure that any observed benefits are due to the predictive model and not other variables.

Answer 61

Controlled Trials

Question 62

This approach involves assessing an individual's unique characteristics and tailoring an intervention strategy specifically for them.

Answer 62

Personalized Medicine

Question 63

A more feasible alternative to fully personalised medicine. It involves categorizing people into groups based on certain characteristics (e.g., high or low levels of cortisol or inflammation) and then targeting treatments accordingly.

Answer 63

Stratified Medicine