Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

T4 Systems > Depression > Flashcards

Depression Flashcards

(111 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What is meant by “normal” depression?

A

“Normal” depression refers to common emotional reactions such as unhappiness, painful adjustment, or feeling miserable due to difficult, demoralizing, or sad life circumstances. These are typical, temporary reactions, often called “the blues” or “depressed mood.”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How long does “normal” depression typically last?

A

The intense phase typically lasts no more than 2 weeks, or up to 2 months in the case of bereavement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Can people experience moments of enjoyment during “normal” depression?

A

Yes, people can have moments of enjoyment and optimism, and usually start transitioning back into a more normalized state with time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

List at least five symptoms of a general depressive state.

A

• Sad, flat, bleak, “empty” mood
• Hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism
• Apathy, anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure)
• Self-isolation and self-loathing
• Crying spells (including uncontrollable crying)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are common physical symptoms of depression?

A

• Headaches
• Digestive upset
• Muscle tension
• Aches and pains (especially low back)
• Heaviness or sluggishness in body parts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How does depression affect appetite and weight?

A

Appetite is often decreased but can also be increased, potentially causing unintentional weight loss or gain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are some common sleep disturbances in depression?

A

• Insomnia, especially early morning waking
• Increased vivid dreaming
• Reduced restorative sleep
• Hypersomnia (in some cases)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are some behavioural and cognitive symptoms of depression?

A

Sexual disinterest
Agitation, restlessness, “jumpiness”
Frustration, irritability, “short fuse”
Difficulty thinking, focusing, or making decisions
Memory problems
Demotivation and neglect of responsibilities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How does depression affect energy levels and movement?

A

• Feeling sluggish
• Slowed-down thoughts, movements, and speech
• Low energy and persistent fatigue
• Day-to-day tasks become exhausting

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

List some additional emotional or behavioural symptoms associated with depression.

A

• Loss of interest in appearance
• Fixation on failures, feelings of worthlessness
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Suicidal ideation
• Violence toward self or others
• Reckless/escapist/self-medication behaviours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What defines depression as an illness rather than a normal emotional state?

A

Depression becomes an illness if it lasts more than 2 weeks (or more than 2 months for bereavement), or if the person becomes suicidal, homicidal, or completely unable to function.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What characterizes problem depression compared to “normal” depression?

A

• Emotional paralysis
• Inappropriate guilt
• Unrelenting and overwhelming symptoms
• Significant disruption to daily life
• More painful physical symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What factors increase the likelihood that a depressive episode will be classified as depressive illness?

A

• Family history of problem depression
• Past similar episodes or states
• Severity and duration of symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is a depressive disorder?

A

A recurrent or chronic form of problem depression that tends to worsen without treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Why might people with depressive illness not seek treatment?

A

Due to stigma associated with mental illness and/or lack of access to proper care.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What percentage of people in North America will experience depressive illness in their lifetime?

A

20–25%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What percentage of the population is experiencing depressive illness at any given time?

A

Approximately 10%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the diagnosed rates of depressive disorders among men and women in North America?

A

12% of men and 20% of women.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What percentage of children have a significant depressive disorder?

A

5%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What percentage of youth aged 12–17 are expected to have a major depressive episode annually?

A

9%; they are twice as likely to begin using drugs or alcohol compared to non-depressed peers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What percentage of the elderly population is experiencing depressive illness?

A

15–20%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the diagnosis rate of depressive disorder in seniors in hospitals and nursing homes?

A

16%, though it is believed to be underdiagnosed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the leading cause of disability claims in North America?

A

Depression.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Compared to other chronic conditions, how disabling is depressive illness?

A

Depression causes more disability and dysfunction than arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What proportion of suicides are related to depression?
The majority.
26
According to the WHO, what percentage of women and men will experience depression in their lifetime?
25% of women and 10% of men.
27
What is the WHO's prediction about depression and global disability?
By 2020, depression was expected to be the second leading cause of disability worldwide (after heart disease).
28
What are depressive disorders believed to be caused by?
A complex individualized mix of genetic, organic, and environmental factors.
29
What genetic patterns are associated with depression?
• Family tendency (genetic predisposition + family culture) • Obvious extended family patterns (in many, but not all, cases) • High correlation with depression in one or both parents • Significant twin co-incidence • Inherited variant of gene 5-HTT causes lower serotonin levels
30
Which neurotransmitters are most commonly involved in depression?
Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
31
Why are neurotransmitter imbalances considered a key factor in depression?
They are demonstrable, and most effective medications work by promoting neurotransmitter homeostasis.
32
How do hormonal influences affect depression?
• Many disorders show a female predominance pattern • Correlation with female hormonal states (e.g. birth control, HRT) • Gender ratios are the same before age 12 and after age 55 • Low testosterone may correlate with depression in older males
33
How does overuse of alcohol or drugs contribute to depression?
• While often used for self-medication, overuse can also cause depression • This is due to CNS depressant effects
34
Name situational/triggering factors that can cause or worsen depression.
• Relationship or family conflict • Bereavement, major loss • Financial distress • Employment or school-related stress • Illness, major surgery, trauma • Abusive incident or situation • Major life transition • Aging-related stresses • Worrisome, prolonged situations • Caregiver exhaustion/distress • Loneliness, isolation, inadequate support system
35
What personality traits are more associated with depressive tendencies?
• Judgmental/critical view of self and others • Pessimistic outlook, negative focus • Overdependency • Low self-esteem • Poor communication and problem-solving skills • Less flexibility/adaptability • More prone to agitation, poor stress management • Anxious and addictive personality types are especially prone
36
What childhood experiences can increase risk of depression?
• Abandonment, humiliation, abuse, or “differentness” • Depressive, hypercritical, abusive, or neglectful parental behavior • High tension/conflict homes, divorce • Addiction in the home • Death/suicide of a loved one • Trauma, long-term/chronic illness or surgery • School-related issues or academic difficulties
37
How does maternal stress during pregnancy relate to depression risk?
High or prolonged maternal stress may lead to greater depression risk in the child/adult later in life.
38
What are the effects of postpartum depression on the mother and baby?
• Poorer baby interaction and bonding • Compromised nurturance • Influence on baby’s neurochemistry
39
How can medications contribute to depression?
• Many medications have depression as a side effect (e.g. prednisone, blood pressure meds, sleeping pills) • Antidepressants can have paradoxical effects, especially in children and adolescents
40
Which medical conditions have high correlation with depression?
• Heart disease and stroke • Cancer • CNS disorders: MS, Alzheimer's, Parkinsonism • Diabetes and pancreatic conditions • Endocrine conditions, especially hypothyroidism • HIV/AIDS
41
How do chronic pain conditions relate to depression?
• Cause neurotransmitter and endorphin depletion • Strain personal and support systems • Involve dependence issues • Medications used may have depressive side effects • Often correlated with substance abuse
42
What is the relationship between depression and other disorders?
• Learning disorders, especially ADHD (33% correlation) • Eating disorders and addictive disorders • Anxiety disorders, especially if prolonged/untreated • Some co-conditions include PTSD and panic disorder, • which are highly co-causative with depression
43
What dietary/nutritional factors contribute to depression?
• Low vitamin D (especially in elderly, shift workers, housebound, winter, or seasonal depression) • Low omega-3 fatty acids (linked to low fish consumption) • Low protein intake (low tryptophan), and B vitamins • Diets high in sugar/refined foods • Overuse of caffeine • Overconsumption of cheese and dairy products
44
What is a central aspect of depression neurochemistry?
Neurotransmitter imbalances.
45
Which neurotransmitters are especially influential in depression?
• Serotonin • Norepinephrine • Dopamine • GABA • Possibly oxytocin • Endorphin homeostasis is also a factor
46
What typically happens to neurotransmitters in depression?
They become depleted.
47
What might cause initial neurotransmitter depletion in depression?
A stressful circumstance or other life factors (as outlined in previous causes of depression).
48
What makes someone more likely to sink into a depressive state?
Any additional genetic or biochemical factors that impair the person’s ability to maintain or quickly restore neurotransmitter volumes.
49
How is neurotransmitter replenishment affected in depression?
Most neurotransmitter replenishment happens during deep sleep, so sleep dysfunction in depression further complicates the problem.
50
What besides volume of neurotransmitters can cause symptoms of depression?
Imbalances in the relative proportions of these neurotransmitters can cause a range of depression symptoms.
51
What is neuron dystrophy in the context of depression?
Neurons in parts of the CNS (especially vegetative, emotional, and pain-related pathways) become smaller and less functional.
52
Where do neuronal abnormalities primarily occur in depression?
In vegetative, emotion, and pain-related pathways.
53
Can neuron dystrophy be reversed?
Yes, but treatment must last at least 6 months to reverse these changes and achieve full remission.
54
What happens if dystrophic neuron changes persist?
• The brain becomes more vulnerable to depression after a new stressor • Over time, this shrinkage may become irreversible
55
What is the purpose of sensory experience according to the notes?
To bring attention to important matters—usually because some type of response is needed.
56
When can sensory experience be eliminated or weakened?
In the absence of value, or when there is another purpose or distraction.
57
Which brain structures are involved in descending modulation?
• Cortex • Thalamus • Insula • Amygdala • Hypothalamus
58
What chemicals are released in central modulation and what do they act like?
Endorphins and enkephalins, which act like morphine/heroin (the body’s endogenous opiates).
59
Where are these chemicals communicated to?
A group of nuclei in the midbrain and brainstem.
60
Which midbrain structure is notably involved in this process?
The periaqueductal gray area.
61
What happens when the periaqueductal gray area is activated?
• A complex intercommunication process is initiated • Leads to release of modulators from brainstem zones like the raphe nuclei
62
What modulators are released from the raphe nuclei?
• Serotonin (5-HT) • Norepinephrine (NE) / Noradrenaline (NA) • Endocannabinoids such as anandamide (similar to THC)
63
What do these modulators act on and what is the effect?
They act on neurons in the dorsal horn to inhibit sensory signals.
64
Besides pain, what sensations are modulated or inhibited by this system?
• Routine discomforts: limb weight, low back pressure • Everyday sensations: contact of clothing, GI tract motility
65
How is descending modulation affected in depression?
• Many of the chemicals involved in descending modulation are depleted in depression • Their effectiveness is impaired, which is an intrinsic part of depression
66
What clinical symptoms result from weakened central modulation in depression?
• Pain • Other physical discomforts
67
What is Unipolar Depression?
A form of depression where the person’s signs and symptoms are consistently in the depressed mood range.
68
What is Bipolar or Manic Depression?
A condition where the person’s symptoms cycle between depressive symptoms and elation/abnormally elevated moods.
69
What is Exogenous Depression also known as?
Reactive depression.
70
What causes Exogenous Depression?
It relates to depressive symptoms or episodes seen as having a primarily external cause.
71
What is Endogenous Depression also referred to as?
Sometimes referred to as “organic” depression.
72
What causes Endogenous Depression?
Depression believed to be primarily caused by physiological factors in the person’s body.
73
What is Melancholy/Melancholic Depression primarily characterized by?
Anhedonia — the inability to feel pleasure.
74
What characterizes Psychotic Depression?
A severe depressive state that includes hallucinations and/or delusions.
75
What are signs of Anxious/Agitated Depression?
• Worried agitation • Hypervigilance • Panic (Anxiety elements mixed with depression)
76
What is Vascular Depression?
A newer term that describes the correlation between brain vascular changes, especially in the elderly, and depressive symptoms.
77
What are some common depressive disorders?
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD, Major Depression) • Dysthymic Disorder (Dysthymia, Chronic Depression) • Atypical Depression Disorder • Bipolar Disorder (I, II, Cyclothymia) • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) • Postpartum Depressive Disorder (PPD, Postnatal Depressive Disorder)
78
What is a confusing point about the term “clinical depression”?
It is usually used to mean Major Depressive Disorder, but can refer to any substantially disabling depressive disorder.
79
What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
A combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy previously pleasurable activities; it's the classic melancholic depressive illness.
80
What are the diagnostic criteria for MDD?
Five or more of the following symptoms with little or no change for 2 weeks (excluding bereavement and suicidal/homicidal ideation which prompt earlier diagnosis): • Continuous depressed mood (often worse in the morning) • Anhedonia • Social withdrawal • Anorexia or significant unintentional weight loss (some have weight gain) • Insomnia (or hypersomnia): sleep loss, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings • Psychomotor agitation and/or sluggishness • Persistent fatigue or energy drain • Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt • Indecisiveness or diminished ability to think/concentrate • Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide, or harming others
81
What is the typical age of onset for MDD?
Between 25–35 years, but it can occur at any age, including childhood.
82
What is the gender incidence of MDD?
Slightly higher in females: 60/40 ratio.
83
How does MDD usually manifest?
As recurrent episodes of major depression, often with increasing severity, especially if not treated properly.
84
How disabling is MDD?
By definition, MDD is disabling in day-to-day life.
85
What is Dysthymic Disorder also called?
• Chronic Depression • Minor Depression (though this term can be misleading) • Persistent Depression
86
What is Dysthymic Disorder?
A chronic, low-grade depression that doesn't completely disable a person but still reduces functionality and impairs wellness and happiness.
87
How common is Dysthymic Disorder compared to MDD?
It is 2–4 times more prevalent than MDD.
88
What are the diagnostic criteria for Dysthymia in adults and youth?
• Adults: Depressed mood (typically melancholic) on most days for at least 2 years • Children/Adolescents: Depressed or irritable mood for at least 1 year Plus at least two of the following: • Poor appetite or overeating • Insomnia or hypersomnia • Low energy or persistent fatigue • Low self-esteem • Poor concentration/difficulty making decisions • Feelings of hopelessness
89
When does Dysthymia typically onset?
Most often during the teen years or early adulthood.
90
What is the gender incidence for Dysthymia?
2:1 female to male.
91
How long does Dysthymic Disorder usually last?
Usually 2–3 years, but can be longer or ongoing.
92
How do the symptoms of Dysthymia compare to MDD?
They are similar but less severe overall.
93
What type of symptoms are prominent in Dysthymia?
• Personality and cognitive symptoms (negativity, indecisiveness) • Pronounced feelings of differentness, social inadequacy, and withdrawal • Life feels flat and hopeless
94
What sleep issue is common with Dysthymia, especially in teens?
Absence of sufficient restorative sleep.
95
Why might teens with Dysthymia not recognize it?
They may think: • “This is just what being a teenager is like” • “This is how life is” These beliefs may be reinforced by parents and others, leading to no help-seeking behavior.
96
What risky behaviors are common with teenage Dysthymia?
High incidence of alcohol and drug use initiation.
97
What percentage of people with Dysthymia develop MDD each year?
10% per year.
98
Why is early recognition of Dysthymia in teens important?
Because extended depression during this key developmental stage can severely impair: • Personality development • Life skills • Relationship and social skills • Sexual identity development • Career planning • Value formation
99
What are long-term consequences of teenage Dysthymia?
Higher likelihood of: • Relationship difficulties • Struggles in school and career • Development of personality disorders in adulthood
100
What is Atypical Depression Disorder?
A sub-type of major depression with non-classic melancholic features. Despite its name, it is actually the most common type of depression, representing 35–40% of the depressed population.
101
Why is it called “Atypical” Depression Disorder?
Because its features are not the classic melancholic ones, it was labeled “atypical” when it was more recently identified as a depressive disorder.
102
What percentage of the depressed population does Atypical Depression represent?
35–40%
103
What is the gender prevalence for Atypical Depression Disorder?
It is especially female predominant.
104
What is the average age of onset for Atypical Depression Disorder?
17 years old, making it the lowest average age of onset among depressive disorders.
105
In which populations is Atypical Depression Disorder very common?
Teenagers and children.
106
What childhood experiences are significantly correlated with Atypical Depression?
• History of childhood neglect or abuse • History of paternal depression
107
What academic change is commonly seen with the onset of Atypical Depression Disorder?
A plummeting of grades.
108
What is notable about the suicide rate in Atypical Depression Disorder?
It has the highest rate of suicide of all depressive disorder types.
109
Can Atypical Depression symptoms co-exist with other depressive disorders?
Yes, elements can co-exist, and intermixing of symptoms occurs fairly often.
110
What are the key symptoms of Atypical Depression Disorder?
• Generalized depressed mood • Overwhelming fatigue • Tendency to excessive sleep (hypersomnia) • Overeating/binging and substantial weight gain • Heaviness in limbs (called “leaden paralysis”) • Extreme hypersensitivity to rejection or criticism • More emotional reactivity than other depressive types - Can respond with short-term pleasure to events - May also be highly distressed, irritable, anxious
111
What class of medication does Atypical Depression Disorder respond particularly well to?
MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) group of medications.

T4 Systems (22 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions