Mental disorders

What is the definition of a mental disorder?

an impairment in normal behavioral, cognitive, or emotional functioning that negatively impacts a person's life.

What is the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) used for?

The DSM-V is a book of disorders and their symptoms, used for diagnosing mental disorders.

What are the pros of using the DSM-V for diagnosing mental disorders?

It provides consistency in diagnoses, regardless of the doctor.

What are the cons of using the DSM-V for diagnosing mental disorders?

It may label a person, affecting their self-perception and how others view them; there is debate about whether all DSM-listed conditions are truly disorders.

What are mood disorders?

conditions where mood is severely disturbed and does not accurately reflect the environment.

What are the different types of mood disorders?

1. Major Depression: Severe, sudden depression without an external cause. 2. Dysthymia: Moderate depression lasting 2+ years. 3. Postpartum Depression: Depression, anxiety, and exhaustion after childbirth. 4. Vascular Depression: Depression in elderly due to poor brain blood flow. 5. Cyclothymia: Mild mood swings between depression and mania lasting 2+ years. 6. Bipolar Disorder: Severe mood cycling between depressive and manic episodes.

What are the sex differences in the prevalence of major depressive disorder?

Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

What brain differences are observed in individuals with depression?

1. Amygdala: Increased activity; more reactive to fear and aggression. 2. Hippocampus: Smaller volume; may impair positive memory processing. 3. Prefrontal Cortex: Reduced activity; affects decision-making and cognitive control. 4. Nucleus Accumbens: Reduced pleasure/reward response. 5. Basal Ganglia: Movement issues, especially in Parkinson's patients. 6. Microbiome: Gut bacteria produce serotonin; imbalances may affect mood.

How does the microbiome affect depression?

The microbiome produces serotonin, which influences mood.

What are psychobiotics?

probiotics that help grow the right microbiome, potentially benefiting patients with depression.

What hormonal changes are observed in depressed patients?

elevated cortisol levels and abnormal circadian rhythms of cortisol release.

How is sleep altered in some depressed patients?

Difficulty falling asleep, shorter REM periods, frequent awakenings, lack of deep stage 3-4 sleep, and REM starts sooner after falling asleep.

What are the main methods used in animal models to test antidepressant drugs?

1. Reserpine Sedation Test: Tests if antidepressants can reverse sedation caused by monoamine depletion. 2. Behavioral Despair/Forced Swim Test: Measures the time rats spend in a resigned posture.

What is the role of Reserpine in testing antidepressants?

blocks VMAT, depleting monoamines, leading to sedation in animals and depression-like symptoms in humans.

What is the monoamine hypothesis of depression?

depression is caused by a deficiency in monoamines, while mania is caused by excess monoamines.

What are the side effects of MAOIs?

Elevated norepinephrine levels can cause high blood pressure, headache, sweating, and stroke.

How do selective MAO B inhibitors differ from MAOIs?

inhibitors target MAO B in the brain, reducing peripheral side effects.

What are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, leaving them in the synaptic gap.

What are the side effects of TCAs?

Sedation, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation, confusion, blurred vision, and cardiovascular effects.

Why might TCAs be risky for suicidal patients?

Overdose can cause respiratory depression and coma at only 10x the dose.

What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

selectively block serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic gap.

What are the side effects of SSRIs in teens and children?

Increased risk of suicide; FDA issued a Black Box Warning.

What are the sexual and emotional side effects of SSRIs?

Decreased interest and pleasure in sex; emotional blunting.

What is serotonin syndrome?

A potentially life-threatening condition caused by combining SSRIs with other serotonin agonists.

What is serotonin discontinuation syndrome?

Occurs when SSRIs are abruptly stopped, causing withdrawal symptoms.

What are psychedelic antidepressants?

provide immediate relief from depression.

What are the limitations of antidepressants in treating depression?

Long response time, treatment resistance, and placebo effects.