Class Discussion Questions on Mood Disorders and Depression
Dr. Anthony C. Santucci
Part 1: Chapters 26 (Diagnosis), 28 (Animal Models) and 31 (Neurochemistry)
11/2/04
1. Describe the evolution of mood disorder diagnoses from DSM-I to DSM-III.
How did the RDC pave the wave for the diagnostic criteria set forth in the DSMIII? How have individual diagnoses changed over the years or have been
incorporated into broader categories? Describe the difference between the
following dichotomies: psychotic depression vs. neurotic depression, organic
depression vs. reactive depressive, endogenous depression vs. exogenous
depression. How does the classification of mood disorders in the DSM-IV differ
from earlier versions?
2. What is the Porsolt test and how does it model depression? What is the role of
early life stressors and their effects on the HPA system in the etiology of
depression? How has the neuroendocrine system been targeted in the
development of animal models of depression? Describe the Morris maze and the
elevated plus maze? What processes do these tests try to model? How have
genetically engineered mice been used to model depression?
3. What evidence exists supporting a role for norepinephrine and serotonin in
depression? What role do neuropeptides play in depression? (be familiar with
Tables 31.2, 31.3 and 32.4)
Definitions:
DSM I –IV
Feighner Criteria
RDC
Endogenous vs. exogenous depression
Organic vs. reactive depression
Porsolt test
Tail suspension test
Elevated plus maze
CMS model of depression
Predictive validity of animal models
Reliability of animal models
Learned helplessness
Assessment of cognitive deficits
Transgenic mutant mice
HPA axis
ACTH
Cortisol
CRH or CRF
MAOA
Glucocorticoid receptor
Tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor
Reserpine
NE reuptake inhibitors
Tricyclics
SSRIs
MOAIs
Alpha and beta adrenergic receptors
HVA
MHPG
GHRF
GH
HPT axis
TSH
TRH