Understanding Depression

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a cognitive symptom associated with depression?

Slowness of speech

Loss of sense of humor (correct)

Frequent crying episodes

Reduced appetite

Which symptom is primarily motivational in nature within the context of depression?

Fatigue

Physical inactivity

Anhedonia (correct)

Negative emotions

What physical behavior is often observed in individuals suffering from depression?

Reduced walking speed (correct)

Increased energy levels

Enhanced appetite

Frequent social interactions

Which of the following describes a common emotional symptom of depression?

A sense of hopelessness Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options reflects a potential effect of depressive symptoms on daily functioning?

Impairment in completing daily tasks Signup and view all the answers

How is anxiety typically associated with depression?

It suggests a range of negative emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does exercise and mindfulness therapy have on depressed patients?

It normalizes gait patterns and relieves symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key finding regarding the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes?

Therapeutic alliances have a moderate correlation with treatment outcomes, accounting for 7.5% of variance. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the therapeutic alliance is NOT mentioned as part of its three main components?

Supportive theoretical frameworks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of current research on the effectiveness of therapies?

There is insufficient research on specific and common factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the overall complexity of psychotherapy as stated in the conclusions?

Common and specific factors interact in complicated ways that defy simple causal explanations. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did the American Psychological Association (APA) reach regarding expressed empathy and therapeutic elements?

Empathy and feedback mechanisms are effective across all psychotherapy models. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome of chronic hyperactivity in the HPA axis?

An overreaction to minor stressors later in life Signup and view all the answers

Which neuroendocrine abnormalities predispose individuals to depression following early traumatic stress?

Altered HPA responses Signup and view all the answers

How do cytokines relate to the experience of depression?

They generate inflammatory responses Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs in the monoamine systems as a result of chronic stress exposure?

Inhibition of monoamine receptors Signup and view all the answers

What effect does early stress have on animals in terms of neurobiological stress reactivity?

Exaggerated stress reactivity Signup and view all the answers

What role do ovarian hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play in women's mental health?

They may trigger depression in predisposed women. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the HPA axis response in children who have experienced abuse or neglect?

Exaggerated or blunted responses Signup and view all the answers

Which brain regions may experience volume reductions due to chronic excessive exposure to cortisol?

Hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala Signup and view all the answers

What common condition is associated with changes in the immune system, particularly regarding cytokines?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of maternal care on animals exposed to early stress?

It reduces vulnerability to depression. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does chronic arousal of the body's stress response have on the hippocampus?

It may result in damage to the hippocampus. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for prioritizing the processing of threatening information?

Amygdala Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) network in response to stress?

Release cortisol to decrease stress levels. Signup and view all the answers

How does depression affect anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activation?

It is associated with lower activation in the ACC. Signup and view all the answers

What role does cortisol play in relation to the hippocampus during chronic stress?

It inhibits the development of new neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What are the observed effects of antidepressant treatment on the amygdala?

Decreased activity and functioning. Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate a dysfunctional hippocampus in individuals experiencing depression?

Detachment of emotional responses from appropriate contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the release of cortisol in response to a stressor?

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus. Signup and view all the answers

What change in brain structure is commonly associated with successful treatment of depression?

Normalization of ACC activation. Signup and view all the answers

What is introjection in the context of psychodynamic theory?

An emotional response leading to self-hatred and low self-esteem. Signup and view all the answers

According to the psychodynamic approach, what role does depression serve after a significant loss?

It allows for regression to earlier developmental stages. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of symbolic loss imply in Freudian psychology?

Various losses can trigger emotional reactions equal to that of losing a loved one. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary underpinning of behavioral theories regarding depressive symptoms?

A result of inadequate reinforcement for positive behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

How is affectionless control linked to depression later in life?

It relates to unmet childhood needs increasing vulnerability to loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of psychoanalytic theories of depression?

Many of their concepts are not falsifiable. Signup and view all the answers

What behaviors may be influenced by the administration of cytokines according to animal studies?

Loss of appetite and increased pain sensitivity. Signup and view all the answers

How might the loss of a parent contribute to depression according to the discussed theories?

It may trigger regression to earlier developmental stages. Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of lack of appropriate reinforcement in behavioral theories?

The creation of a behavioral vacuum leading to withdrawal. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological perspective suggests that depression can stem from a person's re-experiencing of childhood dependency?

Psychoanalytic theory. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Task 6 - Having the Blues

Losses and failures are significant triggers for depressive episodes.
Most people recover within a few weeks.
For some, depressive symptoms persist and affect all aspects of life.
Depression involves emotional, motivational, behavioral, physical, and cognitive symptoms.
Emotional symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, frequent crying, and a loss of sense of humor.
Motivational symptoms include loss of interest in activities, reduced initiative, and decreased spontaneity.
Behavioral symptoms include slowed speech and movement, inactivity, and sleep disturbances (insomnia, hypersomnia).
Physical symptoms can include sleep disturbances, headaches, digestive problems (indigestion, constipation), dizziness, and general pain.
Cognitive symptoms include negative thoughts about the self, world, and future, pessimism, difficulty concentrating, and indecisiveness, and recurrent suicidal thoughts.
Two main types of clinical depression
- Major depression (unipolar depression): extended periods of clinical depression causing significant distress and functional impairment.
- Bipolar disorder: periods of mania alternating with periods of depression. Mania is characterized by boundless energy and euphoria.

Major Depressive Disorder

Diagnostic Criteria A: Five (or more) symptoms present during the same two-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure. Note: Symptoms not due to another medical condition.
Symptoms include:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities.
- Significant weight loss or gain without dieting.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day
- Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt nearly every day.
- Diminished ability to concentrate, indecisiveness nearly every day.
- Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.
Diagnostic Criteria B: Symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment.
Diagnostic Criteria C: Symptoms not caused by substance use or another medical condition.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Diagnostic Criteria A: Depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years (one year for children/adolescents). Note: Irritable mood in children/adolescents.
Diagnostic Criteria B: At least two of the following are present:
- Poor appetite or overeating.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia.
- Low energy or fatigue.
- Low self-esteem.
- Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
Diagnostic Criteria C: Not without symptoms for more than two months at a time during the two-year period.
Diagnostic Criteria D: Criteria for a major depressive disorder may be present continuously for two years.
Diagnostic Criteria E: No manic or hypomanic episode, or cyclothymic disorder.
Diagnostic Criteria F: Not better explained by a psychotic disorder.
Diagnostic Criteria G: Not caused by substance use or another medical condition.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Regularly recurring depression during winter, with remission in spring or summer.
Enhanced melatonin secretion in winter is likely a contributing factor.
SAD is characterized by depressed mood, low energy, hypersomnia, carbohydrate cravings, overeating, and weight gain.

Other Subtypes of Depression

Anxious distress: Prominent anxiety symptoms
Mixed features: Presence of manic/hypomanic symptoms, but not meeting criteria for a manic episode.
Melancholic features: Distinctive depressed mood, lack of energy, hypersomnia, craving for carbohydrates, overeating, weight gain, worse morning mood, early morning awakening, marked psychomotor retardation or agitation, significant anorexia or weight loss, and excessive guilt
Psychotic features: Mood-congruent or mood-incongruent delusions or hallucinations
Catatonic features: Inability to relate to surroundings, mutism, posturing, agitation, imitating another's speech or movements
Atypical features: Positive mood reactions to events, significant weight gain/increased appetite, hypersomnia, heavy/lead-like feelings in arms/legs, and sensitivity to interpersonal rejection
Peripartum onset: Onset of depression during pregnancy or four weeks following delivery
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Severe depression symptoms around 5 to 11 days before menstruation, improving after menstruation begins, and disappearing in the week following menstruation.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Depression and mood fluctuations, together with physical symptoms (fatigue, muscle pain, chest pain, headaches, sensitivity to light/noise).

Additional Notes

Depression is a central feature of many anxiety and substance use disorders.
Depression frequently co-occurs with other psychological disorders (anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse).
Rates in females are higher compared to males.
Depression contributes significantly to the global disease burden.

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Description

This quiz explores the key aspects of depression, including its triggers, symptoms, and types. It covers emotional, motivational, behavioral, physical, and cognitive symptoms associated with depressive disorders. Gain insights into how depression can affect daily life and recovery pathways.