Major depression/depressive disorder neurobiology

Department of Psychiatry and Behavorial Neurobiology University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama Chapter 35 Major Depressive Disorder... 

Similarities between the Effects of Stress and Neurobiological Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults... 

The neurobiology of bipolar disorder is less well studied than that of major depressive disorder. Early studies of monoamine metabolites found that they were increased in patients with bipolar disorder, but these were subsequendy inteiq reted as due to the increased motor acdvity seen in these padents. 

Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania, which include hyperactivity, decreased need for sleep, and a euphoric or irritable mood. Additionally, persons with bipolar disorder may have episodes of depression similar to those seen in major depressive disorder. The lifetime prevalence of severe bipolar disorder is about 1% and 3-5% if milder cases are included, afflicting men and women equally. Both bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder tend to be episodic, and in the periods of time between episodes, persons may experience few or no symptoms. The etiology of bipolar disorder is predominately genetic, with a 70% concordance in monozygotic twins. The neurobiology of bipolar disorder is less well understood, and few animal models have been developed. Treatment of bipolar disorder usually involves mood stabilizer medications, including lithium, and the anticonvulsants valproate and carbamazepine. At times, antidepressant and antipsychotic medications are also used. 

Neurobiological studies suggest thatprimai y neurotransmitter (s) involved in major depressive disorders is (ai e)... 

Gorman JM, Kent JM SSRls and SNRls broad spectrum of efficacy beyond major depression. J Chn Psychiatry 60 (suppl 4 33-38, 1999 Gorman JM, Papp LA Respiratory physiology and panic, in Neurobiology of Panic Disorder. Edited by BaUenger JC. New York, Alan R Dss, 1990 Gorman JM, Debowitz MR, Eyer AJ, et al Treatment of social phobia with atenolol. J Chn Psychopharmacol 5 298-301, 1985... 

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