Psychology of Stress and Depression

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of glucocorticoids in response to stress?

Improve structural connections in the prefrontal cortex

Regulate components of monoaminergic systems (correct)

Increase the synthesis of serotonin in the brain

Directly cause the onset of depression

Which statement accurately reflects individual responses to stress and depression?

All individuals exposed to stress will develop depression.

Depression is exclusively linked to chronic stress exposure.

Genetic and developmental factors influence depression onset. (correct)

Individuals with no stress are immune to depression.

What percentage of depressed patients exhibit excessive activation of the HPA axis?

90%

75%

50% (correct)

25%

According to the monoamine hypothesis, what is the relationship between monoamines and mood disorders?

Blocking re-uptake of monoamines alleviates mood disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What potential factor does the Network Hypothesis of Depression suggest may underlie the condition?

Impaired activity-dependent neuronal communication Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception exists regarding stress and depression?

Stress is a guaranteed precursor to depression in everyone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which antidepressants improve information processing?

Morphological and physiological reorganization of neural connections Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is typically recommended for mild depression?

Cognitive psychotherapy Signup and view all the answers

What therapy is mentioned as effective for very severe or prolonged cases of depression?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Signup and view all the answers

What controversial issue is discussed regarding antidepressants?

The disconnect between advertisements and scientific literature Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which option is a method used to access hidden clinical trial data?

Freedom of Information Act Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the treatment for more severe depression compared to mild depression?

It may include drug therapy either alone or combined with psychotherapy Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main concerns raised by researchers regarding antidepressant efficacy?

They are not as effective as placebo treatments Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a common misconception about antidepressants?

They work universally for all types of depression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Auditory hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of negative symptoms in schizophrenia?

Loss of normal mental function Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factor is associated with developing major depression?

Childhood abuse Signup and view all the answers

In the context of depression, which term best describes persistent mild symptoms?

Dysthymia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is not typically associated with core symptoms of depression?

Overactive social engagement Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential cause of schizophrenia identified in the content?

Imbalances in dopamine levels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects an outcome related to severe depression?

Psychotic symptoms Signup and view all the answers

How can recent threatening life events potentially impact mental health?

They may initiate depressive symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between normal fear and anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders include persistent fear that interferes with functioning. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state precedes a feeling of shutting down in anxiety, according to the provided content?

Sadness Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the experience of anxiety as described?

Anxiety can occur without objective danger present. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is highlighted as part of the biopsychosocial model for addressing mental health?

Integrating therapy, medication, and social support Signup and view all the answers

What role does the 'fight or flight' system play in anxiety according to the content?

It is involved in both fear and anxiety responses. Signup and view all the answers

What common fear is associated with leaving the house for individuals with anxiety as noted in the text?

Fear of social judgment or observation Signup and view all the answers

How are anxiety disorders described in relation to normal experiences of fear?

Anxiety disorders can be seen as exaggerated responses to normal fear. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of anxiety is suggested to influence coping abilities?

The intensity of fear or apprehension felt. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument against the notion that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain?

There is no substantial evidence supporting this claim. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding from the meta-analysis conducted on antidepressants?

The difference in effectiveness between antidepressants and placebo was minimal. Signup and view all the answers

What methodological issue is commonly associated with meta-analyses of antidepressant medications?

The potential for publication bias when unsuccessful trials are not published. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Freedom of Information Act in the meta-analysis of antidepressants?

It helped acquire data from unpublished clinical trials submitted to the FDA. Signup and view all the answers

What claim does The Emperor's New Drugs make regarding the effectiveness of antidepressants compared to other forms of treatment?

Other forms of treatment offer similar or better outcomes than antidepressants. Signup and view all the answers

According to the results presented, how effective are antidepressants when compared to the standards set by NICE in the UK?

They fall below the threshold for clinical significance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the meta-analysis reveal about the effectiveness of placebo treatments?

Placebo effects can be as substantial as those from antidepressants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is emphasized as a limitation of antidepressant medication?

Their effectiveness is often overstated and marginally better than placebo. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anxiety Disorders

Normal experiences of fear, anxiety, and worry can become problematic when exaggerated.
Anxiety disorders are marked by intense feelings of apprehension and fear, disrupting daily life.
Responses to fear and anxiety utilize the "fight or flight" system, acting in real or perceived danger.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Individuals may feel monitored or judged leading to significant distress in social situations.
A desire for help often exists alongside fear of judgment from others.

Biopsychosocial Model

Comprises biological, psychological, and social factors affecting mental health.
Treatment approaches include medications, therapy (e.g., CBT), and social support.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Positive symptoms: include hypersensitivity, auditory/visual hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions.
Negative symptoms: affect one-third of patients, causing loss of normal mental function, emotions, and motivation.

Causes of Schizophrenia

Contributing factors: genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, birth defects, and dopamine level imbalances.

Depression

Described as persistent sadness leading to emotional and cognitive difficulties.
Historical concept of melancholia linked to the somber secretion of "black bile" by Hippocrates.

Risk Factors for Depression

Family history of psychiatric disorders, loss of a parent, childhood abuse, substance use, workplace stress, and life events can all increase susceptibility.
Specific life stages (puberty, pregnancy) can heighten risk for women.

Features of Depression

Core symptoms include low self-esteem, pervasive negative outlook, fatigue, and loss of interest.
Additional symptoms: sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

Diagnostic Criteria

Dysthymia: Mild, persistent depressive symptoms.
Depressive disorder: More numerous and severe symptoms leading to significant impairment.
Severe depression may include psychotic features like delusions and hallucinations.

Stress and Mood

Stress activates the HPA axis, increasing glucocorticoids, which can impact monoaminergic systems.
Individual responses to stress vary widely; not all stressed individuals develop depression.

Antidepressants and Mood Disorders

Monoamine hypothesis suggests low monoamine levels cause depression; antidepressants aim to restore these levels.
Network hypothesis proposes that issues in neuronal communication may contribute to depression.

Treatment Approaches

Mild depression often treated with cognitive psychotherapy.
Severe cases may require drug therapy, possibly alongside psychotherapy.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) reserved for severe or prolonged depression.

Controversial Ideas in Antidepressant Efficacy

Questions exist regarding the effectiveness of antidepressants versus placebo effects.
Studies show antidepressants offer limited advantages over placebos, challenging traditional beliefs in their efficacy.
Highlighting the need for alternative treatment methods beyond medication.

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Description

Explore the intricate connections between glucocorticoids, stress responses, and depression in this enlightening quiz. Delve into critical concepts such as the HPA axis activation, the monoamine hypothesis, and the Network Hypothesis of Depression. Test your understanding of how these factors interplay in mood disorders.