6 - Antidepressants Flashcards
What are the 5 types of depression?
1) Major depression
2) Chronic depression
3) Atypical depression
4) Bipolar/manic depression
5) Seasonal depression
What is major depression?
- Generally recurring and disabling w/ sx that interrupt a persons ability to work, sleep, study, or eat
- Usually lasts greater than 2 weeks
What is chronic depression?
- Less severe or disabling
- Longer lasting sx
- Characterized by long term “melancholy” or depressive personality
What is atypical depression?
- Characterized as less pervasive sadness
- Can manifest as overeating, oversleeping, sensitivity, or rejection
What is bipolar/manic depression?
Oscillates btwn major depressive and mania episodes
What is seasonal depression?
- Result of a reduction in amount of sunlight
- Common during winter
- Scandinavian countries most affected
How is a person diagnosed w/ depression?
- Must have 1 of top 2 symptoms and at least 5 other sx which occur daily, and persist for at least 2 weeks
- Top 2 sx = persistently sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings and loss of pleasure in usual activities
- Other sx = crying, hopelessness, pessimism, helplessness, fatigue, loss of concentration, sleep problems, change in appetite, suicidal thoughts
What are the causes of depression?
- Genetic
- Death/abuse
- Medication
- Socio
- Environment
What are the various tx for depression?
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy) – useful when combined w/ drugs
- Natural alternatives – St. John’s Wort and exercise can help mild depression
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – fast and effective solution for major depression or suicidal thoughts
- Medications – SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs, MAOIs, TCAs, and TeCAs
What are sx of serotonin deficiency?
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Phobia
- Obsessive compulsive
What are sx of norepinephrine deficiency?
- Decreased concentration, working memory, and info processing
- Fatigue
What are sx of dopamine deficiency?
- Cognitive slowing
- Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness)
- Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
What are sx of serotonin and dopamine deficiencies?
- Food craving
- Bulimia
What are sx of dopamine and NE deficiencies?
- Decreased attention
- Psychomotor retardation
What are sx of serotonin, NE, and dopamine deficiencies?
Depressed mood
What does it mean when an antidepressant has a high NE/5-HT ratio?
The drug is more selective for 5-HT receptor
What is the function of serotonin?
Regulates mood, calmness, appetite, cognitions, memory, body temp, sexuality, and BP
Can circulating serotonin cross the BBB?
No, but serotonin is derived from tryptophan, and tryptophan can cross the BBB (but must compete w/ other AAs for the active AA transporters)
Is the indole ring of serotonin basic?
No
What percentage of tryptopharn consumed is converted to serotonin?
5%
Where does biosynthesis of serotonin occur?
Primarily in CNS presynaptic neurons and some GI tract cells
What happens to free 5-HT in blood plasma?
Rapidly taken up by platelets for storage