Depression and Antidepressants

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts relating to depression, its treatments, and associated psychological theories.

Pharmacotherapy

The treatment of a disease through the use of drugs.

Psychotherapy

The treatment of mental disorders through psychological methods.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A debilitating condition characterized by overwhelming sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities.

Negative Cognitive Triad

A concept in cognitive psychology that describes a pattern of negative thinking about oneself, the world, and the future.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

A protein associated with the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons, particularly important in the context of depression.

HPA Axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a central part of the body's stress response system.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons in the brain.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors.

Comorbidity

The simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient.

Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF)

A peptide involved in the stress response, released by the hypothalamus to promote the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland.