37 Questions
What is the effect of cortisol on BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus?
Suppresses BDNF gene expression
What is the correlation between depression severity and hormonal abnormalities in the HPA axis?
More severe depression is associated with more severe hormonal abnormalities
What is the mechanism by which stress activates the HPA axis?
CRH release from the hypothalamus
What is the effect of antidepressant treatment on BDNF levels and neurogenesis?
Increases BDNF levels and stimulates neurogenesis
What is the association between Cushing's disease and depression?
Patients with Cushing's disease are often depressed
What is the role of BDNF in regulating neuronal function?
Regulating neuronal plasticity, resilience, and neurogenesis
What is the association between depression and BDNF levels?
Depression is associated with lowered levels of BDNF.
What is the effect of direct infusion of BDNF into the midbrain and hippocampus of animals?
It has an anti-depressant effect.
What structural change is observed in the brain of patients with depression?
A decrease in the volume of the hippocampus.
What is the effect of electro-convulsant therapy on BDNF and neurogenesis?
It stimulates BDNF and neurogenesis.
What is the primary mechanism by which antidepressants affect the brain?
By increasing the synaptic levels of NA, 5-HT, or D
Which of the following is a key piece of evidence supporting the monoamine hypothesis?
The genetic mutations of the serotonin transporter and depression
What is the potential consequence of oestrogen deficiency on mental health?
Increased risk of depressive states
Which neurotransmitter system is implicated in depression according to the 4-Glutamate theory?
Glutaminergic system
What is the proposed mechanism by which anti-depressant treatment may reduce depressive symptoms?
Indirectly reducing glutamate release and depressing NMDA receptor functions
Which class of antidepressant drugs includes Fluoxetine and Fluvoxamine?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
What is the integration hypothesis of depression?
Monoamine, neuroendocrine and neurotrophic systems are all interconnected
What is the primary characteristic of mood changes in bipolar affective disorder?
Bidirectional changes
Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with depression?
Excessive exuberance
What is the primary method used to diagnose major depressive disorder?
Clinical interview
Which brain regions are affected in depressive diseases?
Cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus
What is the pathogenesis of depression thought to involve?
Multiple neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and hormones
What is the common mechanism of action of all effective anti-depressant medications?
Targeting monoamine signalling in one of the four methods
What is the result of increased monoamine transmission and synaptic monoamine availability?
Increased levels of neurotrophic factors and neurogenesis
What is the time frame for the therapeutic effects of antidepressants to appear?
2-4 weeks after use
What is the effect of antidepressants on certain receptors?
Down-regulation of alpha 2 and beta 1 adrenoreceptors
What is the role of neurotrophic factors in antidepressant mechanisms?
They increase with antidepressant use
Which of the following antidepressant drugs inhibits the re-uptake of both 5-HT and NA but does not have many non-selective effects?
Duloxetine
What is the effect of SNRIs on the synaptic concentration of 5-HT and NA?
Increases the concentration of both
What is a characteristic of Tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs) compared to SNRIs?
They have more non-selective effects due to their affinity for other receptors
What is the mechanism of action of SNRIs on the serotonin re-uptake transporter protein?
They bind to the SERT and inhibit the transporter
What is a clinical use of SNRIs?
Treatment of major depressive disorders
What is a characteristic of SNRIs in terms of their pharmacokinetics?
They are well absorbed orally and metabolized by the liver
What is the reason why SNRIs are preferred over TCAs for treating neuropathic pain?
They have a more selective mechanism of action
Which of the following is a transporter protein involved in the re-uptake of NA?
NET
What is the effect of SNRIs on the histamine, adrenergic, or cholinergic receptors?
They have a minimal effect on these receptors
What is the enzyme involved in the metabolism of SNRIs?
Cytochrome P450
Learn about the neurotrophic theory of depression, the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in regulating neuronal plasticity, and its relation to antidepressants. Understand how depression is associated with lowered levels of BDNF and its impact on neuronal growth and maintenance.
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