Understanding Major Depression

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Questions and Answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with major depression?

Feelings of worthlessness

Euphoria (correct)

Indigestion

Cognitive impairment

What is a characteristic of bipolar disorder?

Hypersomnia exclusively

Chronic insomnia only

Intermittent periods of mania (correct)

Constant depressive episodes

Which describes seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Depressive episodes during summer

Regular depressive episodes in winter (correct)

Persistent insomnia throughout the year

Continual anxiety symptoms

What percentage of people with depression also experience an anxiety disorder?

60% Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive symptom is characteristic of depression?

Pessimistic thinking Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is associated with terminal insomnia?

Waking up early and unable to return to sleep Signup and view all the answers

What belief might many depressed individuals develop regarding their existence?

That others would be better off if they were dead Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by higher melatonin secretion during winter?

Seasonal affective disorder Signup and view all the answers

What type of event is most likely to lead to depression according to learned helplessness theory?

Uncontrollable negative event Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following beliefs are characteristic of the reformulated learned helplessness theory?

Negative events are internal, stable, and global Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor that can lead to hopelessness depression?

Pessimistic attributions for personal events Signup and view all the answers

What role does rumination play in the context of depression?

It predicts the onset and relapse of depression Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic factor can influence vulnerability to depression?

Social conditions of demographic groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the best predictor of future suicidal thoughts and behavior?

Past suicidal thoughts and behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stressor has the strongest link to suicidal thoughts and attempts?

Interpersonal violence, particularly sexual abuse Signup and view all the answers

What type of disorder is most commonly linked to suicide risk?

Mood disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor contributing to the development of major depression?

Abnormalities in the serotonin transporter gene Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated average number of workdays lost per year due to major depression?

27 work days Signup and view all the answers

How much does depression cost employers annually in lost productivity?

$37 billion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitter levels is typically low in individuals suffering from major depression?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What is a common comorbidity found in individuals with major depressive disorder?

Substance abuse Signup and view all the answers

What type of medication is known for blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine?

Tricyclic drugs Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that depression is related to an imbalance of neurotransmitters?

Neurochemical theory Signup and view all the answers

What brain region is commonly linked to motivation difficulties in individuals with depression?

Left PFC Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Task 6 - Having the Blues

Introduction:
- Loss and failure are significant triggers for depressive episodes.
- Some people quickly recover, while others experience persistent impairment.
- Depression can affect emotional, motivational, behavioral, physical, and cognitive aspects of life.
- Depression can occur without a specific life event.
- Depression involves negative emotions, loss of interest, reduced energy, and difficulties in thinking and concentration.
- Recurring suicidal thoughts are a serious symptom of depression.
- Two types of clinical depression exist:
  - Major depression (or unipolar depression)
  - Bipolar disorder

Major Depression

Diagnostic Criteria:
- Five (or more) of the following symptoms for 2 weeks, representing a change from prior functioning:
  - Depressed mood most of the day
  - Markedly diminished interest or pleasure
  - Significant weight change or appetite change
  - Insomnia or hypersomnia
  - Psychomotor agitation or retardation
  - Fatigue or loss of energy
  - Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  - Diminished ability to think or concentrate
  - Recurrent suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Symptoms cause significant distress or impairment
- Symptoms are not due to a medical condition or substance use

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Diagnostic Criteria:
- Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years.
  - In children and adolescents, this period is 1 year.
- Presence of two or more of these symptoms during the depressed period:
  - Poor appetite or overeating
  - Insomnia or hypersomnia
  - Low energy or fatigue
  - Low self-esteem
  - Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
  - Feelings of hopelessness
- Symptoms must not have been absent for over 2 months at any time.
- No instances of a manic episode were present.
- Not better explained by schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or other specified or unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder.
Diagnosis, Prevalence, and Comorbidity:
- Depression is a common feature of many other conditions, such as anxiety and substance abuse.
- Depression is a contributing factor to 12% of global nonfatal maladies.
- Lifetime prevalence of depression is 20% in men and 30% in women.

Subtypes of Depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
- Recurring winter depression with remission in spring/summer.
- Often attributed to increased melatonin secretion in winter.
Atypical Depression:
- Mood reactivity to events
- Significant weight increase or increase in appetite
- Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
- Feeling of heaviness in limbs
- Increased sensitivity to interpersonal rejection
Peripartum Onset:
- Onset of major depression during pregnancy and/or postpartum.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):
- Severe depressive symptoms are linked to premenstrual phase.
- Symptoms improve following menstruation's start.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
- Combination of extreme fatigue, muscle pain, and other physical and mood symptoms.
Other subtypes include anxious distress, melancholic features, psychotic features, and catatonic features.

Other Information

Comorbidity:
- Depression frequently co-occurs with other mental disorders.
- Substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders are common comorbidities.
- Depression can either cause or be caused by comorbid conditions.

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Description

This quiz explores the key concepts of major depression and its diagnostic criteria. Learn about the symptoms, triggers, and types of depression, along with their impact on daily life. Test your knowledge on this important mental health topic and understand how it can affect individuals differently.