Mood Disorders: History and Definition

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary effect of norepinephrine on an individual?

Enhances alertness, focus, and energy. (correct)

Induces feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Decreases alertness, focus, and energy.

Regulates digestive functions within the body

What is the role of ion pumps in maintaining a neuron's resting potential?

To actively maintain a stable negative charge. (correct)

To facilitate the entry of sodium ions.

To rapidly depolarize the neuron.

To trigger the release of neurotransmitters.

What process initiates the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

The entry of calcium ions into the neuron. (correct)

The binding of neurotransmitters to receptors.

The reuptake of neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft.

The exit of potassium ions from the neuron.

What was the initial use of drugs which were later identified as MAOIs?

To treat tuberculosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of MAOIs?

They inhibit the breakdown of neurotransmitters, increasing their levels. Signup and view all the answers

Where are neurotransmitters initially synthesized in a neuron?

In the neuron's cell body or axon terminal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of serotonin in the context of depression?

Influences mood, sleep, and appetite. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of nodes of Ranvier in signal propagation?

To allow the action potential to jump along the axon, increasing speed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a physiological response associated with early life stress?

Decreased levels of inflammation Signup and view all the answers

How do altered neurotransmitter genes impact an individual's risk of depression?

They affect brain chemicals that control mood and may increase the risk of depression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between family history and genes related to depression?

A family history of depression indicates a higher likelihood of inheriting genes that make one vulnerable to depression. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of 'resilience genes' in the context of depression?

They help individuals handle stress better, making them less likely to develop depression. Signup and view all the answers

An individual with increased amygdala activity, decreased hippocampal volume, and elevated glucocorticoids is most likely experiencing the effects of:

Early life stress responses Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with reward processing and motivation?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

A deficiency in which neurotransmitter is often linked to symptoms like low mood, irritability, and sleep disturbances in depression?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of norepinephrine in the context of depression?

Stress responses and attention Signup and view all the answers

Increased levels of which substance in the brain's limbic system are thought to contribute to the emotional and physical pain associated with depression?

Substance P Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is targeted by medications known as SNRIs?

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can mimic depression due to overlapping symptoms such as fatigue and mood swings?

Hypothyroidism Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying process in Hashimoto's thyroiditis that leads to reduced thyroid hormone production?

Immune system attacks the thyroid gland Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is specifically linked to reduced dopamine function in depression?

Anhedonia and low motivation Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate heritability rate of depression based on twin studies?

40-50% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key finding from twin studies regarding depression?

Identical twins have a greater likelihood of both having depression if one twin is affected. Signup and view all the answers

Besides genetic predisposition, what other factors significantly contribute to the development of depression?

Environmental stressors and life events. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a lifestyle factor that elevates the risk of depression?

Excessive alcohol and drug misuse. Signup and view all the answers

Which social interaction factor is most likely to heighten the possibility of developing depression?

Experiencing an abusive relationship Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely effect of early life stress and exposure to trauma?

Higher predisposition to depressive episodes. Signup and view all the answers

If one identical twin has depression, what does twin research suggest about the likelihood of the other twin also having depression?

The other twin is more likely to have depression compared to fraternal twins. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of depressive episodes are estimated to be influenced by genetics?

30-40% Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Hashimoto's disease that can be mistaken for depression?

Fatigue and low energy Signup and view all the answers

How can mood changes in Hashimoto's patients manifest similarly to depression?

Frequent mood swings and irritability Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive impairment is commonly associated with both Hashimoto's disease and depression?

Difficulty concentrating (brain fog) Signup and view all the answers

What effect do steroid hormones like estrogen and cortisol have on depression risk?

They can modify the risk by influencing brain response to stress Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between sleep disturbances and cortisol levels in depression?

High cortisol levels worsen sleep disturbances Signup and view all the answers

According to patterns observed, which cultural practices are associated with higher rates of major depression?

Western societies with a focus on individualism Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom associated with Hashimoto's could lead to the misconception of depression?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

What are potential consequences of fluctuating estrogen levels related to depression?

Increased vulnerability to depressive episodes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the 5-HTT gene in relation to depression?

It regulates the uptake of serotonin in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which version of the 5-HTT gene allele is associated with a higher vulnerability to depression?

Short (S) allele Signup and view all the answers

How does the gene-environment interaction influence depression risk?

Genetic factors interact with stressful experiences to affect depression risk. Signup and view all the answers

In cultures where symptoms labeled as madness exist, such as Trinidad's Studiation Madness, what can these symptoms reflect?

Abnormal or pathological behaviors viewed through a cultural lens. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the long (L) allele of the 5-HTT gene?

It leads to higher serotonin levels due to efficient reuptake. Signup and view all the answers

Genetic predisposition to depression can be influenced by which factors?

Variants of certain genes like 5-HTT and BDNF. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a gene like 5-HTT in the context of mental health research?

Its polymorphisms can impact individual susceptibility to depression. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding cultural variations in mental health perceptions?

Cultural contexts can redefine what is considered abnormal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mood Disorder 1: A Brief History of Mood Disorders

Historical figures like Descartes, Confucius, Pythagoras, and Hippocrates had varying views on mood disorders, attributing them to bodily imbalances or mental states.
Descartes and rationalism viewed the body as a machine controlled by the mind.
Ancient Greek philosophies (Socrates and Plato) emphasized the role of rationale in maintaining mental well-being.
The Renaissance led to careful observation of mood disorders, and phenomenology explored human existentialism and meaning-seeking.
Phrenology, though flawed, proposed specific brain regions influenced behavior, leading to treatments like leukotomy and lobotomy.
The discovery of drugs like Chlorpromazine, Isoniazid, and Iproniazid revolutionized pharmacological approaches to mental illness.

Mood Disorder 2: Depressed Defined

DSM-5 criteria for major depression include depressed mood, loss of interest, weight changes, sleep disturbances, psychomotor issues, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness/guilt, concentration problems, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are crucial neurotransmitters vital for mood regulation, playing roles in emotion, motivation, and stress responses.
Serotonin stabilizes mood, regulates sleep, and promotes well-being; low levels are linked to depression and anxiety.

Mood Disorder 3: The Neurobiology of Depression

Antidepressants, initially developed to treat tuberculosis (e.g., iproniazid and isoniazid), were later found to improve mood, prompting research into their potential for treating depression.
These treatments are now understood to affect neurotransmitter levels (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) by inhibiting their breakdown.

Mood Disorder 4: Sociocultural Aspects of Depressive Disorders

Western cultures often tend to focus on emotional and cognitive symptoms of depression, while Eastern cultures might express depression via physical symptoms.

Mood Disorder 5: Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Antidepressants

Different classes of antidepressant drugs (MAOIs, TCAs, SSRIs, SNRIs, SSNRIs, and SNDRIS) have different mechanisms and effects on neurotransmitters.
MAOIs inhibit monoamine oxidase, increasing neurotransmitter levels.
TCAs block neurotransmitter reuptake. (Serotonin and norepinephrine)
SSRIs block serotonin reuptake.
SNRIs block both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
SSNRIs block serotonin and nor-epinephrine uptake.
SNDRIS block serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine uptake.

Mood Disorder 6: Genetic & Environmental Contributions in Depression

Heritability estimates for depression suggest a significant genetic component but also imply crucial environmental impact.
Twin studies highlight a correlation between genetic predisposition and depression.
Life stressors and social interactions can significantly influence the vulnerability to or risk of developing depression.

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Description

Explore the fascinating history of mood disorders, from ancient philosophies to modern drug treatments. This quiz also delves into the DSM-5 criteria for major depression, highlighting its symptoms and challenges. Understand how historical perspectives have shaped current practices and definitions in mental health.