Lecture 6 Mood disorders 2

Question 1

What influences contribute to mood disorders?

Answer 1

Genetic, neurobiological, social, and psychological influences

These factors include family studies, twin studies, brain regions, cytokines, circadian rhythms, and childhood adversity.

Question 2

What is the heritability of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Answer 2

0.37

This indicates a moderate genetic influence on the disorder.

Question 3

What is the heritability of Bipolar Disorder (BP)?

Answer 3

0.93

This suggests a strong genetic influence on BP.

Question 4

Which brain region is involved in sensitivity to emotionally relevant stimuli?

Answer 4

Amygdala

Elevated activity in the amygdala is observed in individuals with MDD when exposed to negative stimuli.

Question 5

What role do cytokines play in mood disorders?

Answer 5

Proteins released as part of an immune response that can affect mood

Elevated cytokine levels are found in individuals with BP and MDD.

Question 6

How are circadian rhythms related to mood disorders?

Answer 6

Disruptions in circadian rhythms and sleep are linked to mood disorders

Sleep deprivation may trigger mania, particularly in adolescents.

Question 7

What psychological factors contribute to depression according to Aaron Beck?

Answer 7

Cognitive biases and the negative triad

The negative triad includes negative thoughts about self, world, and future.

Question 8

What is the Hopelessness Theory in relation to depression?

Answer 8

Depression is triggered by hopelessness, believing that good things will not happen

This theory emphasizes stable vs. unstable and global vs. specific attributions.

Question 9

What is rumination in the context of depression?

Answer 9

Tendency to dwell on sad experiences

Rumination can exacerbate depressive symptoms.

Question 10

What are the four problem areas focused on in Interpersonal Therapy?

Answer 10

• Grief and loss
• Role transitions
• Interpersonal conflicts
• Interpersonal isolation

These areas are addressed to improve current relationships.

Question 11

What is the goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Answer 11

To alter maladaptive thought patterns

CBT teaches clients how thoughts influence moods and encourages cognitive restructuring.

Question 12

What is the effectiveness of CBT compared to antidepressants?

Answer 12

CBT is as helpful as antidepressants and more affordable

CBT is also protective against relapse.

Question 13

What are common medications used for depressive disorders?

Answer 13

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• SSRIs
• SNRIs

SSRIs and SNRIs are more commonly used today due to fewer side effects.

Question 14

What is Lithium used for in bipolar disorders?

Answer 14

To control mania

It is often combined with antidepressants, but can increase the risk of manic episodes if not monitored.

Question 15

What is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)?

Answer 15

Intermittent magnetic pulses used to increase left frontal brain activity

rTMS has good effects but may be transient.

Question 16

What is the relationship between mood disorders and creativity?

Answer 16

Some evidence suggests a link between mood disorders and heightened creativity

However, extreme mania may lower creative output.

Question 17

True or False: Mania results in more creativity than hypomania.

Answer 17

False

Mania results in less creativity compared to hypomania.

Question 18

What are the consequences of not treating bipolar disorders?

Answer 18

Extreme mania lowers creative output and reduces quality

Even when quantity increases, untreated bipolar disorder can negatively impact creativity.