Author Question: Several nurses are discussing whether or not there is a single universally accepted hypothesis that ... (Read 83 times)

stock · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Several nurses are discussing whether or not there is a single universally accepted hypothesis that provides an explanation about the pathophysiology and etiology of depression. Which statement by the nurse is accurate?

1. Cerebral structure is responsible for depression.
2. We know that heredity is the single cause of depression.
3. Because all patients respond the same to SSRIs, we have a thorough understanding of the neurochemistry of depression.
4. There is no unified hypothesis regarding pathophysiology and etiology of depression, in part because patients demonstrate individualized responses to treatments.

Question 2

The nurse is researching the pathophysiology and etiology of major depressive disorder. What will the nurse learn is true regarding neurological structure alterations and the development of major depressive disorder? Select all that apply.

1. An increase in the central nervous system (CNS) volume is associated with major depressive disorder.
2. Excessive levels of serotonin and norepinephrine have been associated with major depressive disorder.
3. Impairments to cerebral structural plasticity and neuronal cellular resilience have been noted with major depressive disorder.
4. An increase in the numbers and sizes of glia and neurons in some areas of the brain have been noted with major depressive disorder.
5. Dysfunction of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in some areas of the brain has been noted with major depressive disorder.

jsm54321 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: Patients actually demonstrate individualized responses to treatments and individual courses of the condition. Not all patients respond to treatment with SSRIs. Other factors besides heredity, such as life stress, may contribute to depression. Although changes in the cerebral structure are associated with depression, many other factors are currently under study.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3, 5
Explanation: Neurological structure alterations associated with the development of major depressive disorder include impairments to cerebral structure plasticity and neuronal cellular resilience, as well as dysfunctions of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in the prefrontal cortical, striatal, and limbic systems. Excessive levels of serotonin and norepinephrine have been associated with anxiety disorder, not major depressive disorder. A decrease, not increase, in both CNS volume and the numbers and sizes of glia and neurons has been associated with major depressive disorder.