PSYC 3170 Lecture Notes - Common Cold, Hans Selye, Classical Conditioning
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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