Depression: Terms Flashcards
(25 cards)
Melancholic Features
Severe form of endogenous depression (no environmental stressors); severe apathy, weight loss, profound guilt, early morning awakening, suicidal ideation; sx usually worse in morning
Psychotic Features
Disorganized thinking, delusions, hallucinations
Atypical Features
Dominant vegetative sx (overeating, oversleeping), slow psychomotor, concurrent anxiety; usually younger onset
Catatonic Features
Nonresponsiveness, extreme psychomotor retardation, withdrawal, negativity
Seasonal Features (Seasonal Affective Disorder; SAD)
Episodes begin in fall or winter & remit in spring; anergia, hypersomnia, overeating, weight gain, carb craving; responds to light therapy
Dysthymic Disorder
Chronic depressive syndrome usually present for most of the day for at least 2 years; less severe form of depression
Neurotransmitters & Depression
Low serotonin, norepinephrine (most commonly affected); dopamine, ACH, GABA
Serotonin
Regulates sleep, appetite, libido
Norepinephrine
Regulates attention, behavior
Stress-Diathesis Model
Depression results from a dynamic interplay of biology and environment
Cognitive Theory & Depression
A person’s thoughts will result in emotions (Beck)
Learned Helplessness
Stressful situation results in anxiety initially, but turns to depression if person feels no control over the outcome of the situation (seligman)
Psychomotor Agitation
Increased movement (i.e. pacing, wringing of hands)
Psychomotor Retardation
Slowed movement
Vegetative Sx of Depression
Alterations in activities necessary to support physical life & growth (eating, sleeping, elimination, sex)
Adolescents & Depression
Sustained change in mood, thinking, motivation; possible promiscuity, alcohol/substance abuse
Older Adults & Depression
Often expressed somatically
Recovery: Acute Phase
Reduction of depressive sx & restoration of psychosocial and work function; 6-12 weeks
Recovery: Continuation Phase
Prevention of relapse through pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, education; 4-9 months
Recovery: Maintenance Phase
Prevention of further episodes; 1 year or more
Children & Depression
Frequently seen as behavioral problems (i.e. irritability, disruptiveness)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Noninvasive tx with MRI strength magnetic pulses to stimulate focal areas of cerebral cortex
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Surgical procedure; pacemaker-like device implanted to stimulate vagus nerve when activated
Light Therapy
First-line tx for SAD; 30-45 minutes exposure daily, morning most effective
