Postpartum depression — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: Depression is associated with _____ REM latency

Answer: decreased

Flashcard 2: SSRIs inhibit the pre-synaptic reuptake of _____

Answer: serotonin (5-HT)

Flashcard 3: When diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders, you must first rule out _____ as a cause of the presenting dementia

Answer: depression (psych disorder)

Flashcard 4: What is the first line treatment for major depressive disorder? _____

Answer: CBT + SSRIs

Flashcard 5: What is the first-line treatment for atypical depression? _____

Answer: CBT and SSRIs

Flashcard 6: What is the treatment for postpartum depression? _____

Answer: CBT and SSRIs

Flashcard 7: What are the neurochemical changes typically associated with depression?

Answer: Decreased levels of Norepinephrine (NE), Dopamine, and Serotonin (5-HT).

Extra: Biological basis of depression. Note: Early morning awakening (terminal insomnia) is a classic vegetative symptom of MDD.

Flashcard 8: What is the primary site of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis in the brain?

Answer: Raphe nuclei

Extra: The Raphe nuclei are found in the brainstem (medulla, pons, and midbrain). They project serotonin to nearly all parts of the central nervous system.

Flashcard 9: A woman status post mastectomy says she feels ugly when she undresses.

Answer: Find out why the patient feels that way. Do not offer false reassurance or anything that could be interpreted as flirtation. (e.g. You still look great!)

Flashcard 10: What changes in sleep patterns are often seen in depressed patients?

Answer: 1. less delta-wave sleep 2. more REM sleep 3. more/earlier awakenings (decreased delta-wave sleep (stage N3) decreased REM latency increased REM early in sleep cycle increased total time in REM repeated nighttime awakenings early-morning awakening)