C155__docx C155 Pathopharmacological Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice: Depressi

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C155__docx C155 Pathopharmacological Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice: Depression Western Governors University Persistent Depressive Disorder Investigated Disease Process As time moves ... forward, focus on mental health is becoming increasingly important in the medical community. People are beginning to see that mental health affects many people from many different walks of life. It can affect anyone. Persistent depressive disorder is just one small part of mental health, but very important. Persistent depressive disorder is commonly referred to as dysthymia. In short, it is a form of depression that affects the individual for a period of more than 2 years. According the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in the US it is estimated that 1.3% of adults will suffer from dysthymia at some time in their life (NIMH, 2017). Pathophysiology The pathophysiology of dysthymia is still being researched and identified. Researchers theorize that it relates to the serotonin and dopamine receptors of the brain. When examining the brain post-mortem, scientists identify that there are some notable changes to the volume of the grey matter and the glial density of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These changes ate believe to influence cortisol levels. With these post-mortem studies, researchers have identified that hypocortisolemia can be caused by a reduction in hippocampal function and this may play a role in depression. They also believe that a change in dopamine levels in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . [Show More]

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