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?

Choice A rationale:

Acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are not the primary neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response. Acetylcholine plays a role in memory and muscle control, while GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and sleep. These neurotransmitters are not as closely associated with the functions mentioned in the question.

Choice B rationale:

Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is a hormone that prepares the body for the fight-or-flight response. While both glutamate and epinephrine play important roles in various physiological responses, they are not primarily responsible for regulating mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response as mentioned in the question.

Choice C rationale:

Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are all key neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response. These neurotransmitters have been extensively studied in the context of mood disorders like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Serotonin is often associated with feelings of well-being and happiness, dopamine is linked to pleasure and reward pathways, and norepinephrine is involved in the body's stress response. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters have been implicated in the development of mood disorders.

Choice D rationale:

Endorphins and oxytocin are important neurotransmitters, but they are not as directly related to the regulation of mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response as the neurotransmitters mentioned in choice C. Endorphins are known for their role in pain modulation and feelings of pleasure, while oxytocin is often referred to as the "bonding hormone" and is associated with social connections and childbirth.

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.