PSYC 280 Study Guide - Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Monoamine Neurotransmitter, Reuptake

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 280
• Professor: John Reynolds

Document Summary

Concordance of monozygotic (identical) twins=60%, dizygotic twins (fraternal)=20% Higher rates of ddepression in biological depressed parents. Like schizophrenia, there is no certain depression gene but many genes contribute that develops into depression. Depression=high blood flow, greater activity in prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Low blood flow in parietal and posterior temporal cortexand in anterior cingulated. Severe depression-thinner cortex in the right hemisphere vulnerable to depression. Electroconvulsive shock therapy (ect): seizures-can"t treat schizo, but can reverse severe depression. Monoamine hypothesis: depression is caused by low activity of monoamine transmitters (serotonin, dop, norepinephrine) by antidepressants (mao (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors): enzyme,breaks down monoamine transmitters) Mao inhibitors raise monoamines in synapses=depressed pple don"t get stimulation at those synapses. Explains why drug reserpine (reduce norpinephrine and serotonin in brain)can cause depression. Tricyclics: class of antidepressants; inhibit reuptake of monoamines, boost serotonin. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(ssris):(prozac)antidepressants; better than mao inhibitors&tryclics;few side effects.