Psychology of Depression and Suicide

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Questions and Answers

What is the likely reason for the paradox of high heritability of mental disorders despite low reproductive rates among individuals with these disorders?

Natural selection favors the reproduction of mentally ill individuals.

High mental disorders lead to enhanced physical health.

Mental disorders are only prevalent in non-reproductive populations.

The missing heritability that cannot be fully explained genetically. (correct)

In the context of evolutionary psychology, how is postpartum depression viewed?

As an indicator of future psychiatric disorders.

As a purely negative outcome of childbirth.

As a signal for help during the challenging postpartum period. (correct)

As an adaptation for enhancing maternal instincts.

What does the social competition hypothesis suggest about the origin of depression?

Depression arises from winning social competitions.

Depression is a result of losing social competition. (correct)

Depression is irrelevant to social dynamics.

Social competition has no impact on mental health.

Which theory suggests that depression once had a functional role in evolutionary history, but no longer serves a purpose?

Ancestral neutrality hypothesis. Signup and view all the answers

According to existing theories, depression is linked to which physiological response?

Increased inflammatory response related to stress and illness. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Lack of studies for minority groups Signup and view all the answers

What common myth about suicide is mentioned?

Most suicides occur during the Christmas holiday Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people with depression have reported suicidal thoughts?

26% Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between suicidal ideation and age?

Onset increases during adolescence Signup and view all the answers

Which gender is more likely to die by suicide according to the content?

Men Signup and view all the answers

What psychological process is essential to address when intervening for suicide prevention?

The decision to act on suicidal thoughts Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the methods of suicide attempts among genders is accurate?

Women use more discreet methods Signup and view all the answers

What does terror management theory relate to?

Existential anxiety about mortality Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive factor is associated with self-harm in adolescent girls?

Low levels of optimism Signup and view all the answers

What psychological factor can buffer the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation?

Optimism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is cited as a strong risk factor for the onset of suicidal behavior?

Sexual and physical abuse during childhood Signup and view all the answers

In psychological autopsy studies, which aspect is primarily collected about the deceased?

Information from informants Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social media use is particularly concerning for adolescent girls according to Social Comparison Theory?

Upward comparison Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely time frame for an individual to re-attempt suicide after their first attempt?

One year Signup and view all the answers

What limitation did Candice Odgers identify in Jonathan Haidt's thesis regarding social media use and mental illness in youth?

Generational specificity of the mental health crisis Signup and view all the answers

Which biological precursor is linked to an increased risk of suicide?

Abnormal cortisol concentrations Signup and view all the answers

Which DSM criteria for depression includes feelings of worthlessness?

Fatigue/loss of energy Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is associated with social media use that impacts adolescents' well-being?

Frequency of smartphone usage Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cognitive factor that can contribute to suicidal thoughts?

Thought suppression Signup and view all the answers

What do researchers suggest is necessary to determine if higher social media use leads to increased anxiety?

Experimental manipulation Signup and view all the answers

What is cited as a common misconception about the relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health?

Social media use always leads to mental health issues Signup and view all the answers

What describes the type of rewards in social media interactions?

Unpredictable and intermittent Signup and view all the answers

Why is measuring excessive smartphone use deemed challenging?

Static assumptions that ignore context Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall conclusion regarding the impact of social media use on mental health outcomes in adolescents?

The associations are generally weak and inconsistent. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of conspiracy theories?

They are based solely on factual evidence Signup and view all the answers

How do sacred values influence individuals in terms of violence?

They increase the willingness to fight and die Signup and view all the answers

What psychological need does relative deprivation fulfill in the context of community?

A sense of belonging Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a motive behind conspiracy theory beliefs?

Causal explanations for existential security Signup and view all the answers

In the context of conspiracy theories, what does agency refer to?

Attributing intentionality to the actions of conspirators Signup and view all the answers

What delineates the difference between a delusion and a shared belief in conspiracy theories?

Delusions are individually held beliefs while shared beliefs foster group reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about sovereign citizens is TRUE?

They view the state as a corporate entity Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social dynamics is influenced by the creation of ingroups?

Reinforcement of outgroup hostility Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic exhibited by individuals with Asperger's syndrome as mentioned in the examples?

Sensory overstimulation Signup and view all the answers

Which category of stalkers is characterized by a fixation on grievances?

Resentful stalker Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people reportedly experience stalking?

Approximately 2-15% Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stalker believes there is mutual affection despite evidence to the contrary?

Intimacy seeker Signup and view all the answers

What common belief do conspiricists hold that may lead to violence?

The government and police are out to get them. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the psychiatric profile of individuals involved in extremist behavior?

Quiet and withdrawn demeanor. Signup and view all the answers

In studies of stalking, which mental healthcare professionals are identified as most vulnerable?

Psychiatrists Signup and view all the answers

What motivation characterizes the 'incompetent lover' type of stalker?

Lack of knowledge on initiating relationships Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sleep Myths and Effects

Eight hours of sleep isn't crucial for optimal function.
Sleep needs vary significantly between individuals.
Waking up multiple times a night is a typical occurrence.
Cognitive impairment, increased heart rate variability, and a weakened immune system are consequences of insufficient or excessive sleep.

Sleep Functions

Sleep promotes energy conservation and survival.
Sleep facilitates immune function and hormonal restoration (e.g., melatonin).
Sleep is critical for memory consolidation.
- Learning and the consolidation of newly formed memories significantly improve with sleep.

Sleep Mechanisms

Sleep pressure, or the need for sleep, increases with prolonged wakefulness.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus, situated above the optic nerves, regulates the circadian rhythm.
- Exposure to light suppresses melatonin production, while darkness triggers its release.

Sleep Studies

Sleep is essential for memory processing.
New memories are consolidated through transferring information from the hippocampus to the cortex, a process that involves repeating and organizing the memories into neural circuits.
Exposure to virtual reality (VR) significantly improves spider phobias, and this treatment effect is reinforced by ninty minutes of sleep.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders, identified in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and the ICD (International Classification of Diseases), encompass a wide range of conditions impacting sleep.
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Breathing-related sleep disorders (e.g., apnea)
- Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders
- Parasomnias (e.g., nightmares, sleepwalking)
- Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder

Two-Process Model of Sleep

Process S (sleep pressure): A homeostatic process that intensifies during wakefulness and reduces during sleep, driven by adenosine.
Process C (circadian rhythm): A 24-hour biological clock, regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus, sensitive to external cues like light and darkness, influencing alertness, body temperature, and sleep tendency.

Sleep Onset and Wakefulness

Sleep onset occurs when sleep pressure and circadian rhythms align, minimizing alertness.
Sleep maintenance is aided by circadian signals promoting alertness, even as sleep pressure mounts.
Disruptions to the alignment of these two processes can contribute to difficulties in obtaining adequate sleep (e.g. jet lag or shift work).

REM Sleep

REM sleep is characterized by the paralysis of muscles in the body, typically occurring during the latter stages of sleep cycles, where vivid dreams are generated.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I is a widely used first-line treatment for insomnia, more effective than pharmaceuticals in the long term, given its focus on altering thought patterns that maintain insomnia and creating healthy sleep habits.

Technology can negatively influence sleep quality, leading to lower sleep quality and increased stress/depression.

Operationalization and Assessment

Research concerning problematic social media use is complicated by the absence of a clear definition for addition.
The presence of a causal relationship between social media use and mental health issues requires further study.

The Psychology of Suicidal Behavior

Suicide is often caused by a variety of factors, including psychological issues.
Understanding the complexities of suicidal ideation and the decision to act on such thoughts are key to effective interventions.

Terror Management Theory

Terror management theory explains the anxiety connected with unavoidable mortality.

Theories of Suicide

A variety of theories, such as the interpersonal theory of suicide, explore the interplay of factors that contribute to suicidal ideation.

Personality, Cognitive Distortion and Risk Factors

Personality traits, cognitive distortions, ruminative tendencies, hopelessness, thoughts of suicide, and impulsiveness contribute to the risk of suicide.

Life Events & Risk Factors for Suicide

Sexual and physical abuse during childhood are especially significant risk factors for suicidal ideation.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Explore key concepts related to the psychology of depression and its connection to suicide. This quiz delves into theories, myths, and statistical insights involving mental disorders and their evolutionary implications. Challenge your understanding of these critical mental health topics.