Abnormal

Question 1

Four types of antidepressants

Answer 1

1. Tricyclics
2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
3. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
4. Atypical Antidepressants

Question 2

Tricyclics

Answer 2

Block transporter proteins that reabsorb serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine (noradrenaline). Prolongs the presence of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.
They also block histamine and acetylcholine receptors and some sodium channels. These have side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth and heart irregularities respectively so are not suitable for long-term use.

Question 3

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - SSRIs (e.g., Prozac)

Answer 3

Similar to tricyclics but specific to serotonin. Milder side effects to tricyclics but similar treatment outcomes. Newer versions block reuptake of Serotonin and Norepinephrine.

Question 4

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer 4

Block the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). This enzyme metabolizes catecholamines and serotonin to render them inactive. By blocking this enzyme there is more of the neurotransmitter available for release. Usually Tricyclics are prescribed first followed by SSRIs then MOAIs.

Question 5

Atypical Antidepressants

Answer 5

Dopamine and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (e.g. Wellbutrin) sometimes used.

Question 6

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Answer 6

Electrically induced seizures. Now used in cases of severe depression where drug treatments have failed. Not clear exactly how it works to relieve depression, but it does seem to alter the expression of genes in the hippocampus and frontal lobes (Altar et al., 2004).

Question 7

Bipolar Disorder Treatments

Answer 7

These three medications appear to reduce the number of AMPA type glutamate receptors in the hippocampus – linked with mania.

1. Lithium Salts: Stabilize mood preventing a relapse into mania or severe depression. Toxic in high doses and ineffective in low doses.
2. Valproate & Carbamazepine also prescribed. Sometimes supplemented with antidepressants or antipsychotic drugs (normally prescribed for schizophrenia).

Question 8

Mood disorders associated with decreased activity in…

Answer 8

Left hemisphere

Question 9

Adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia are more

likely to have had what in childhood?

Answer 9

A cat