Study Guide Module 5: Depression Psychopharm

Study Guide Module 5: Depression Familiarize yourself with theories of bipolar spectrum disorder and their criticism (Article: Bipolar Spectrum: A Critical Perspective) with consideration of the following: 1. Patient presentation rarely fits neatly into unipolar depression, bipolar I and bipolar II diagnostic criteria. 2. Treatment decisions can be guided by the bipolar spectrum classification. What are the 3 neurotransmitters most implicated in mood disorders? Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine Describe the synthesis of norepinephrine. Tyrosine Hydroxylase convert amino acid Tyrosine into DOPA, DOPA decarboxylase convert DOPA to DA, Dopamine b hydroxylase converts DA into NE How is norepinephrine metabolized? Monoamine oxidase (MAO) A or B, Catechol-o-methyl-transferase (COMT) What is the significance of presynaptic alpha-2 receptors? Presynaptic alpha 2 receptors are located in both the axon terminal and soma. Only a2 receptors can act as presynaptic autoreceptors, presynaptic alpha 2 receptors regulate norepinephrine release Describe how norepinephrine regulates serotonin. NE regulates 5HT neuros via alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors, a1 accelerate and a2 brake Compare the monoamine hypothesis of depression to the monoamine receptor hypothesis and the proposed validity of each. (This information is also covered in Chapter 7.) Monoamine hypothesis conclude that depression is due to a deficiency of monoamine neurotransmitters and mania is due to an excess of monoamine neurotransmitters. Monoamine receptor hypothesis posits that abnormality in the receptors for monoamine neurotransmitters leads to depression. Describe the role of stress, BDNF and brain atrophy in depression. What is the relationship between monoamines and BDNF? Under stress brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is repressed. Stress lower 5HT levels and can acutely increase, then chronically deplete both NE and DA. These monoamine neurotransmitters changes together with deficient amounts of BDNF may lead to atrophy of neurons in the hippocampus and other brain areas like the prefrontal cortex. What is stress sensitization and its presumed role in depression? Certain types of stress such as child abuse can sensitize brain circuits and render them vulnerable to future stressors. Patients with vulnerable brain circuits who become exposed ti multiple life stressors can result in development of depression. What is the significance of neural circuits in depression? Inefficient information processing in neural circuits leads to depression Stahl Chapter 7 + Supplemental Materials Define treatment response, remission, relapse and recovery in depression. According to the Star D study, which symptoms are most likely to respond to antidepressant treatment? Depressed mood, suicidal ideation and psychomotor retardation Describe the mechanism of action of SSRIs. For the following SSRIS, how do their secondary mechanisms of action differ? What is the clinical significance of these differences? Are their particular patient profiles that are best matched to these medications? Describe the unique mechanism of action of vilazodone. Vilazodone SERT inhibition + 5HT1a partial agonisim ..................................CONTINUED....................................................