Depression Flashcards
(25 cards)
Does depression run in the family?
Yes it can, and some people with be at an increased genetic risk. However, having a close relative with depression does not mean you will automatically have depression
Can personality lead to depression?
It may. If the patient has a tendency to worry a lot or has low-self esteem, are perfectionists, are sensitive to personal criticism, or are critical and negative
Can serious medical illnesses lead to depression?
Yes. The stress and worry of coping with a serious illness can, especially when dealing with chronic pain or long-term management.
Can alcohol and drug use lead to depression?
Yes. Both of these can lead to depression or be a result of depression
What is a Psychodynamic explanation for depression?
As a child that has experiences a highly significant loss and/or developed the belief that being loved was dependant on pleasing others - this can result in a distorted self image in which leads to guilt and lack of self-worth
What is an interpersonal explanation for depression?
If the person develops a “depressive way of being” as a result of negative interpersonal relationships and lack of positive reinforcement in life
What is a cognitive explanation for depression?
This suggests that depression results from how the person thinks about what is happening in the world aka thinking about the world and events in a negative way
How do most modern antidepressants affect the brain?
They effect the brains chemical transmitters (serotonin and noradrenaline) which relay messages between brain cells
Do we work alongside a patient or work for the patient?
We work alongside the patient
What is a major depressive disorder?
A condition involving seriously depressed mood and other symptoms which affect all body systems and interfere significantly with a persons ability to carry out their daily living activities
What is a dysthymic disorder?
Chronically depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years.
What are some behavioural changes that a patient with depression may have?
Social and emotional withdrawal, less effective in areas of work and family relations, and substance abuse.
What are some cognitive changes that a patient with depression may have?
Increasingly egocentric, negative, they may have difficulty concentrating, be indecisive, negative ruminations, low esteem, and thoughts of death/suicide
What are some communication changes that a patient with depression may have?
They may not initiate conversation, and may have poor responses.
What are some mood changes that a patient with depression may have?
Lower mood than usual, feeling sad and hopeless, tendency to cry.
What are some alterations in physical functioning that a patient with depression may have?
Sleep disturbances, fatigue, appetite changes, diminished sexual desire, psychomotor retardation and somatisation
What is the first line of treatment for depression (due to less side effects)?
SSRIs - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
What are the common side effects of SSRIs - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (First line of depression treatment)
Drowsiness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, nausea, and vomiting
What is serotonin syndrome?
Serotonin syndrome is a serious drug reaction that often occurs rapidly and can be life-threatening
What are the severe symptoms of serotonin syndrome?
Increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature
What are Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
An older form of antidepressant.
What are the common side effects of Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, drowsiness, and weight gain
What are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?
a separate class from other antidepressants, treating different forms of depression and other nervous system disorders such as panic disorder, social phobia, and depression with atypical features. MAOIs are only a treatment option when all other medications are unsuccessful.
What is electroconvulsive therapy?
Passing a controlled current of electricity through to brain to induce a seizure (stimulating the activity of neurons) used mainly in the treatment of severe depressive episodes.
