Cognitive and Biological Understanding of Depression and Schizophrenia

Flashcards reviewing key terms and concepts related to the cognitive and biological aspects of depression and schizophrenia.

The 4 Ds (of Psychological Abnormality/Disorders)

Violation of norms, distress to the individual or those around them, dysfunction in work/education/social functioning/personal hygiene, and danger to the individual or those around them.

Psychodynamic Perspective (Freud)

Disorders originate from psychic conflict between the id, ego, and superego.

Medical/Somatic Perspective (Hippocrates)

Disorders originate from biological abnormalities; analogous with physical illnesses.

Cognitive Behavioral Perspective

Disorders arise from maladaptive learned behavior, with the interaction of environment and subjective experience being important.

DSM 5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association).

ICD-10

International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (World Health Organisation).

Major Depression Diagnostic Characteristics (DSM 5)

Feeling sad and helpless everyday for weeks, little energy, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty sleeping/concentrating, and anhedonia.

Negative Triad (Depression)

The self, the world, and the future.

Attention Bias (Depression)

Selective attention to information that matches their expectations.

Serotonin

Regulation of mood, sleep, appetite, memory, and learning.

Dopamine

The pleasure system (feelings of enjoyment and reinforcement).

Norepinephrine

The pleasure system, alertness and arousal.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electrically induced seizure to treat severe depression; used with patients who have not responded to antidepressant medication or are suicidal.

Schizophrenia Symptoms

Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganised/catatonic behaviour, and negative symptoms.

Positive Symptoms (Schizophrenia)

Traits/behaviours that are present to a greater extent than expected, e.g., delusions, hallucinations, bizarre behaviour.

Negative Symptoms (Schizophrenia)

Traits/behaviours that are present to a lesser extent than expected, e.g., lack of social interaction, flattened affect/emotional expression.

Source Monitoring

The metacognitive ability to determine the origin of one’s experiences (Self/Other, Real/Imagined).