Depression and anxiety

Question 1

what are the core clinical features of depression

Answer 1

depressed mood - being bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless
anhedonia - little interest or pleasure in doing things

Question 2

criteria for moderate depressive eopisode

Answer 2

symptoms persisting for most days for more than 2 weeks
considerable difficulty in continuing with work or domestic areas but still able to function in some areas
several symptoms of a depressive episode to a marked degree

Question 3

what are common symptoms of a depressive episode

Answer 3

anhedonia
hopelessness
difficulty concentrating
low energy and fatigue
appetite or sleep disturbance
worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

Question 4

what is the treatment for a depressive episode

Answer 4

social support
professional follow up
cognitive behavioural therapy
pharmacological treatment

Question 5

what are the types of anxiety disorders

Answer 5

generalised anxiety
panic disorder
agorophobia
specific phobia
social anxiety disorder
separation anxiety disorder
selective mutism

Question 6

diagnostic criteria for anxiety

Answer 6

excessive anxiety about a number of events or activities
difficulty controlling the worry
present for the majority of days for at least 6 months

Question 7

common symptoms of anxiety

Answer 7

restlessness
disturbed sleep
being easily fatigued
difficulty concentrating
muscle tension
irritability

Question 8

treatment of generalised anxiety disorder

Answer 8

stepped initiation of treatment
support from GP > self-help tools > CBT and medication > CBT, medication and therapy

Question 9

pharmacological development for depression and anxiety

Answer 9

sertraline (not suitable for everyone, drug decided by adverse effect profile and efficacy)
acts at the synapse by binding and blocking serotonin reuptake transporters (these reabsorb serotonin from the synaptic cleft)