PSYC 235 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Dexamethasone Suppression Test, Major Depressive Disorder, Mood Disorder
13 May 2017
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Causes of mood disorders: consider the interaction of biological, psychological and social dimensions, also notes very strong relationship between anxiety and depression. If genetic contribution exists, should be present in identical twins to much greater extent: one study demonstrated that identical twin is 2-3x more likely to have mood disorder if the first twin does. If one twin has unipolar disorder the chances of a co- twin having it are slim to none. Joint heritability of anxiety and depression: family studies indicate that the more signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression a patient has, the higher rate of these disorders in first-degree relatives and children. Kendler heritability study (1995) -> studied 2000 female twins and found that same genetic factors contribute to both anxiety and depression. Mann and colleagues (1996) -> used brain imaging procedures (pet) to confirm impaired serotonergic transmission in depressed patients.
