Placebo, Depression & Stress

24-10-2011 The Placebo Effect, Depression & Stress • basic classical conditioning, if you think it is effective, then the more it will be effective • works better when people think it is more expensive, also with brand name • “white coat” of the doctor makes a difference, augmenting the effect of the doctor • Understanding provider behaviour, situational determinists and social norms, “what does your culture say about pills, doctors office and etc. being effective” Depression • Depression referred to as, “Common cold of mental illness.” • In our culture, it is acceptable for women to express their negative feelings through depression • Depression is third most common health problem • Effects family members, deterioration of quality of life, increased accidents, breakdown of interpersonal relationships on and off work, heart disease, suicide, drug use, frequency and severity of physical symptoms • (circle) negative experiences  self-focus and self-blame  depressed mood  cognitive and behavioural consequences  negative experiences.. • Depression is a diagnosis, only physicians can actually diagnose it • We have to identify the situation and people who are vulnerable ○ Women more likely than men to be depressed ○ Younger workers more susceptible to be depressed ○ Those who have experiences an injury or trauma • Observable traits: ○ Mask of depression, drowsiness at work, lack of energy, eating, frequent absences due to variety of vague physical symptoms, hostile or impatient behaviours, medication or substance abuse, comments implying self doubt, excessive day dreaming • Observable effects of antidepressant medication: ○ Tremor or muscle twitches ○ Signs of dizziness or loss of consciousness, general confusion and memory problems ○ Signs of blurred vision, extreme signs of fatigue, inappropriate behaviours like excessive horseplay/hyperactivity ○ Rashes, headaches, nausea Does the workplace contribute to Depression and suicide? – Depressive behaviour of other people, depression is a contagious disease, being around someone who is depressed brings you down – Particular toxic agents: aluminum, welders – Poor person-job fit results in depression and also shortness of life – Work conditions resulting in cumulative strain, changes in working conditions Stress – Major contributor to depression – The higher the level of education, the more you perceive work health to be an effect on your health – stress definitions: ○ Your own reactions to environmental demands, how you react to things ○ Stressors versus stress Classification of Stressors by Complexity: 1. Biological (biggest): some are psychological stressors ex. A room being too hot or too cold, too noisy 2. Psychological: evoke biological stressors, some are interpersonal ex. Something that causes you fear 3. Interpersonal: a. When you change your relationship to society, every time there is a change stress is introduced into your life ex. Marriage, new job b. When there is a change in society, ex. 9/11 we no longer trust packages, getting to airport an hour earlier 4. Socio-cultural (smallest): Hans Selye: stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand placed upon it. – Regardless of what the problem is, people always look sick – People with different illnesses react the same way – General way of adapting to the world – There is a pathway