MODULE 2.5.

PRETASK
1. What are the symptoms of depression?

Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness

Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

2. According to psychiatric guidelines, a diagnosis for depression is called for once there
are at least
five (5) of the symptoms enumerated.

3. What are the physical manifestations of depression that can be seen inside the patient's
brain?

Decreased brain activity in the hippocampus

Several parts of the brain shrinks: Thalamus, Caudate nucleus, Insula
Brain inflammation

4. What is the chemical abnormality in depression?

It was previously proposed that having too few of certain substances in the brain (called
neurotransmitters) could contribute to the onset or worsening of depression in some
people. Restoring the balance of brain chemicals, according to this theory, could help
alleviate symptoms.
 This is where the various antidepressant medication classes may come into play.
Many antidepressants affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

The most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, known as SSRIs, inhibit

serotonin reabsorption, a neurotransmitter that can affect mood. According to the
"serotonin hypothesis," low levels of this neurotransmitter were linked to depression.
The idea was that increasing serotonin levels could help improve mood and alleviate
depression symptoms.

5. Name 2 other factors that can be associated with the pathophysiology of

depression?

According to the monoamine-deficiency theory, the underlying pathophysiology

of depression is a deficiency of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, or
dopamine in the central nervous system. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that has
received the most attention in the field of depression research.

Serotonin: the happy neurotransmitter

Chronic stress has been shown in animal models to cause low serotonin levels in
the brain. Low brain serotonin activity is associated with a higher risk of more violent
attempted and successful suicides in patients. Seasonal affective disorder has also
been linked to low serotonin levels (SAD).

Dopamine: is a motivational chemical.

Reduced dopamine levels may also play a role in depression. Although dopamine
was initially thought to be important for the brain's "reward" system and the neurons
that control feelings of pleasure, it now has a more direct impact on the neurons that
underpin motivation and habit formation.

6. Other than drug therapy, what are the other alternative treatments for
depression?

In Western medicine, clinical depression is typically treated with psychotherapy and

medication. If those treatments aren't working, it's time to consider alternative
therapies. Although scientists have yet to agree on the efficacy of herbal
supplements, acupuncture, and other treatments, many patients with depression
report that they are beneficial.
 Herbal remedies
Acupuncture
Reflexology
Exercise
Meditation
Massage
Guided imagery
Yoga

7. As a healthcare practitioner, make a #hashtag (or a slogan) to encourage

depressed patient to seek help professionally) so to lessen the morbidity rate
associated with untreated depression.

A HEALTHY MIND, IS
THE GREATEST
TREASURE TO FIND
#youarenotalone
#mentalhealthmatters