Biological Explanation Of Unipolar Depression (AO1): Depression Flashcards Preview

Y2: Psychology: Clinical: Depression > Biological Explanation Of Unipolar Depression (AO1): Depression > Flashcards

Flashcards in Biological Explanation Of Unipolar Depression (AO1): Depression Deck (14)
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1
Q

Which monoamines is the monoamine hypothesis concerned with?

A

Serotonin, Noradrenaline, Dopamine.

2
Q

Why is serotonin important?

A

Serotonin is responsible for regulating other neurotransmitters. Without this, brain functioning becomes erratic.

3
Q

What is noradrenaline responsible for?

A

It is responsible for providing attention and reward.

4
Q

What is dopamine related to?

A

It is related to alertness and energy.

5
Q

When serotonin levels are low, the levels of noradrenaline…

A

…drop. Low noradrenaline levels are linked to lack of pleasure.

6
Q

When serotonin levels are low, the levels of dopamine…

A

…drop. Low dopamine levels are linked to anxiety.

7
Q

What is the formula for Depressive Reaction?

A

Gene Predisposition + Environmental Stressors = Depressive Reaction.

8
Q

Which gene is linked to regulating serotonin levels?

A

5-HTT. People with variations of the 5-HTT gene that are under active are more likely to suffer depression after stressful life events.

9
Q

What does Rosenthal’s diathesis-stress model explain?

A

Explains that a gene that produces a mental disorder can be triggered by a stressful environment.

10
Q

How might receptors that pick up neurotransmitters lead to depression?

A

If there aren’t enough receptors (or if they’re not working properly) this will have the same effect as a lack of the neurotransmitter.

11
Q

What is Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO-A)?

A

It’s a chemical that removes monoamine from the synapse.

12
Q

What is MAO-A responsible for?

A

Responsible for the re-uptake that recycles neurotransmitters when they don’t appear to be needed.

13
Q

When does MAO-A become an issue?

A

If there is too much MAO-A in the synapse, it will remove monoamines that are needed, starving the brain of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine - leads to symptoms of depression.

14
Q

How does MAO-A provide the basis for Antidepressant drugs?

A

Antidepressants inhibit the activity of MAO-A. This leads to more monoamine activity and a reduction in the symptoms of depression.