Abnormal Psychology-Depression

For this discussion, you will be watching a video about depression, with Robert Sapolsky, a renown Professor of Neurology at Stanford University. He is in the Biology Department, but holds joint appointments in several departments. In this video (52:29), Sapolsky makes the argument that “Depression is the worst disease you can get.” He organizes this fascinating talk into two major parts: (1) What does Biology have to do with depression, and (2) What does Psychology have to do with Depression. He goes on to say that if you don’t see both parts (Biology and Psychology), then you don’t understand the disorder. He is easy to listen to, and the time will fly! He is one of my favorite lecturers. I hope you enjoy and learn from his talk on depression.
Often people who have never experienced depression or who have had a friend or loved-one with the disorder, simply do not understand how a person “who has no reason to be depressed” can in fact be depressed. They may think the individual “just needs to get out and do something,” “think happy thoughts,” or “get their stuff together and stop moping and feeling sorry for yourself.” This person most likely has no malicious intent, but simply does not understand this disorder. Keep that person in mind when you answer the following questions. We’ll call this person Bob.
1. What argument does Sapolsky make to support his assertion that “Depression is the worst disease you can get.”? (Hint: the correct answer has NO STATS or numbers in it) 1 point
2. What is anhedonia? 1 point
3. After watching this video (and learning about depression in your text), how would you respond to the individual noted above, Bob, who thinks that getting out, thinking happy thoughts, and just stop feeling sorry for yourself is what the depressed person should do? Frame your answer as you would directly address Bob (without being rude of course. I like the statement, “We’re never persuasive when we’re abrasive.”) Talk to Bob about his statement. (In this answer I expect at least 2 specifics about the biology of depression and 1 specific about the psychology of the disorder.) 4 points – your conversational context is worth 1 point. In other words, don’t just bullet point the concepts.

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