41 Questions
Which of the following is a specifier for Major Depressive Disorder?
With seasonal pattern
At what age does the risk for Major Depressive Disorder start to increase?
Early teens
What is the typical duration of a depressive episode in Major Depressive Disorder?
4 to 5 months
Which of the following is a characteristic of Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly Dysthymia)?
Depressed mood for most of the day, most days, for 2 years
What is the heritability of depression based on twin, family, and adoption studies?
40-50%
Which of the following is a cognitive distortion according to Beck's cognitive model of depression?
Arbitrary inference
What is the difference between Bipolar 1 Disorder and Bipolar 2 Disorder?
Presence of 1 manic episode in Bipolar 1 Disorder
Which of the following is true about autoreceptors?
They act as a feedback loop to inhibit firing of the cell
What is the function of an antagonist drug?
To inhibit the effects of a neurotransmitter on the postsynaptic cell
Which gene is associated with genetic vulnerability to depression?
5-HTTLPR
What is the role of serotonin in the brain?
Controls feeding/satiety, sexual behavior, the sleep-wake cycle, and mood regulation
Which of the following is a specifier for Major Depressive Disorder?
With psychotic features
What is the typical duration of a depressive episode in Major Depressive Disorder?
4 to 5 months
At what age does the risk for Major Depressive Disorder start to increase?
Early teens
What is the median lifetime number of depressive episodes in Major Depressive Disorder?
4-7
What is the mean age of onset for Major Depressive Disorder according to NCS?
30 years
What is the mean age of onset for Major Depressive Disorder according to OADP?
18.3 years
Which gender is twice as likely to have Major Depressive Disorder?
Females
When does the gender imbalance in Major Depressive Disorder disappear?
After 65
What is the risk of having another episode of Major Depressive Disorder after a single episode?
Rare (33-85% have another one)
What is the minimum duration between two episodes to be considered as recurrent Major Depressive Disorder?
2 months
What is the duration criteria for Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly Dysthymia)?
Depressed mood for most of the day, most days, for 2 years
What is the age of onset for Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly Dysthymia)?
Early 20s
What percentage of individuals with Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly Dysthymia) have co-morbid disorders?
33%
What is the heritability of depression based on twin, family, and adoption studies?
40-50%
What are the three components of Beck's cognitive model of depression?
Negative perceptions of SELF, PERSONAL WORLD, FUTURE
What is the term used to describe the belief that bad events are a result of personal failings?
Internal
What is the specifier for a hypomanic episode in Bipolar 2 Disorder?
Presence of at least one hypomanic episode
What percentage of individuals with Bipolar 2 Disorder develop a full manic or mixed episode?
10%
What is the prevalence rate of Bipolar 1 Disorder in the population?
1%
What is the role of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the synapse?
Synaptic catabolism
Which of the following is NOT a role of serotonin in the brain?
Controlling feeding/satiety
What is the main function of autoreceptors?
Inhibit cell firing
Which gene is associated with genetic vulnerability to depression?
5 HTTLPR
What is the molecular target of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Serotonin reuptake transporter
Which of the following is a side effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?
Hypertensive effect
What is the primary function of an antagonist drug?
Oppose neurotransmitter effects
What is the relationship between the long allele of the serotonin transporter gene (5 HTTLPR) and serotonin transporter mRNA transcription?
Higher transcription
What is the effect of depleting tryptophan from the diet on serotonin levels and depressive symptoms?
Reduces serotonin levels and triggers depressive symptoms
Which of the following is NOT a way of relating neurochemical dysfunction to a disorder?
Studying the genetics of the disorder
Which of the following is a characteristic of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?
Effective as antidepressant treatments
Study Notes
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Specifiers for MDD include melancholic features and seasonal patterns.
- Risk for MDD starts to increase during adolescence.
- Typical duration of a depressive episode is around 6-12 months.
- Median lifetime number of depressive episodes is about 5.
- Mean age of onset for MDD according to the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) is 32 years.
- Mean age of onset for MDD according to the Epidemiologic Catchment Area study (OADP) is 29 years.
- Females are twice as likely to have MDD compared to males.
- Gender imbalance in MDD tends to disappear after age 65.
- Risk of experiencing another episode after a single episode is approximately 50%.
- Minimum duration between two episodes for recurrent MDD is 2 months.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly Dysthymia)
- Characteristic of Persistent Depressive Disorder is a chronic low mood lasting for at least 2 years in adults.
- Age of onset for Persistent Depressive Disorder often occurs in early adulthood.
- Approximately 70% of individuals with Persistent Depressive Disorder have co-morbid disorders.
- Duration criterion for Persistent Depressive Disorder is a minimum of 2 years.
Bipolar Disorders
- Bipolar 1 Disorder is characterized by one or more manic episodes, whereas Bipolar 2 Disorder involves at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode.
- Specifier for a hypomanic episode in Bipolar 2 Disorder is the presence of a persistent, abnormal elevation in mood.
- About 15% of individuals with Bipolar 2 Disorder may develop a full manic or mixed episode.
- Prevalence rate of Bipolar 1 Disorder in the population is approximately 1%.
Cognitive Distortions and Theories
- Cognitive distortion according to Beck's model includes overgeneralization and catastrophic thinking.
- Three components of Beck's cognitive model of depression are negative cognitive triad, cognitive biases, and underlying negatively influenced schemas.
- The term to describe the belief that negative events are due to personal failings is “personalization”.
Genetic and Neurochemical Links
- Heritability of depression based on twin, family, and adoption studies is estimated to be around 37%.
- The serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) is associated with genetic vulnerability to depression.
- Serotonin plays a role in mood regulation, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) target the serotonin transporter to increase serotonin levels.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that breaks down monoamines, which include neurotransmitters like serotonin.
- Autoreceptors monitor neurotransmitter release and modulate further neurotransmitter production based on concentrations.
Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology
- Antagonist drugs function by blocking receptors or functions of certain neurotransmitters.
- Side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may include dietary restrictions due to tyramine interactions.
- Depleting tryptophan from the diet reduces serotonin levels and can increase depressive symptoms.
- Long allele of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) is associated with increased serotonin transporter mRNA transcription, enhancing serotonin uptake.
Test your knowledge on Major Depressive Disorder, a type of depressive disorder characterized by the absence of mania or hypomania and the occurrence of a single episode or recurrent episodes. Learn about the duration, frequency, and specifiers associated with this condition.
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