A client is curious about the impact of chronic stress on the development of depression. Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between chronic stress and depression according to the text?
"Chronic stress can lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in elevated levels of cortisol that can support neuronal growth and survival.".
"Chronic stress can lead to hypoactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in reduced levels of cortisol that enhance neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.".
"Chronic stress can lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in elevated levels of cortisol that can impair neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.".
"Chronic stress can lead to hypoactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in reduced levels of cortisol that improve neurotrophic factors and cognitive function.".
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Chronic stress is known to activate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to increased cortisol production. While cortisol is important for various physiological functions, chronic elevation of cortisol due to stress can actually have detrimental effects on the brain. Elevated cortisol levels have been associated with impaired neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) and synaptic plasticity (the ability of synapses to change and adapt), both of which play crucial roles in maintaining cognitive function and mental health.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is not accurate. Chronic stress typically leads to hyperactivity, not hypoactivity, of the HPA axis, resulting in increased levels of cortisol. The increased cortisol levels can negatively impact neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, which are key factors in depression and cognitive function.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct statement. Chronic stress triggers hyperactivity of the HPA axis, causing elevated levels of cortisol. While cortisol is meant to help the body cope with stress in the short term, chronic elevation can lead to adverse effects on the brain. High cortisol levels have been linked to impaired neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, contributing to the development of depression and cognitive deficits.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is not accurate. Chronic stress tends to lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis and elevated cortisol levels. Reduced cortisol levels, as suggested in this choice, are not commonly associated with chronic stress and its impact on depression.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased appetite is not a commonly associated side effect of antidepressant medications. In fact, some antidepressants can lead to decreased appetite or weight loss as side effects.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is generally not a common side effect of most antidepressant medications. However, there are specific cases where certain antidepressants might have an impact on blood pressure, but it's not a typical side effect across the board.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct statement. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is a commonly reported side effect of many antidepressant medications. It can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to increased sleep difficulties, which might exacerbate existing sleep problems or contribute to new ones.
Choice D rationale:
Excessive energy is not a common side effect associated with antidepressant use. Antidepressants typically work to regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression, and excessive energy would not align with the expected effects of these medications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A manic episode is characterized by a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, often accompanied by increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior. The client's description does not align with a manic episode.
Choice B rationale:
Bipolar disorder involves cycling between periods of mania or hypomania and depression. The client's statement does not provide evidence of mood cycling, which is characteristic of bipolar disorder.
Choice C rationale:
The client's statement directly describes anhedonia, which is a key characteristic of major depressive disorder (MDD). Anhedonia involves the inability to derive pleasure from activities that were previously enjoyable, and it is a central diagnostic criterion for MDD.
Choice D rationale:
Adjustment disorder is a condition characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that develop in response to a specific stressor. The client's statement is more indicative of a pervasive and ongoing lack of enjoyment, which aligns with the concept of anhedonia in MDD rather than the time-limited nature of adjustment disorder.
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