bio treatment for depression - drugs Flashcards
antidepressants are given to patients on the belief that depression is caused by what?
an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain
what do antidepressants help to increase?
the levels of monoamine NT in the brain
what effect should antidepressants have?
restoring the balance of NT and therefore reducing the symptoms of depression
what are antidepressants?
antagonists
how do antagonists work?
by increasing the level of activity, usually by blocking re up take or by preventing the enzyme that breaks them down in the synapse
where is the NT available for longer when given drugs?
synapse
where does activity increase?
affected neural pathways
what form do AD take form?
tablet normally
how long do patients normally take then before feeling an effect?
7 days
when first prescribed what dosage is given?
the lowest possible thought necessary
how does a doctor decide on which drug to prescribe?
uses trial and error, prescribes on sees if it works if not prescribes another
after four weeks and no effect what might the doctor do?
increase dosage or try alternative medication
how long does a course of treatment usually last?
6 months
who is given a two year course?
people with a history of depression
who is advised to take them indefinitely?
people with recurrent depression
what does SSRI stand for?
selective seretonin reuptake inhibitors
how do SSRIs work and is there any side effects?
normally start by prescribing these
safer cause fewer side effects
block reuptake of serotonin
less likely serious effects if overdose
what is an example of an SSRI?
fluoxetine
what are MOAIs?
monomine oxidase inhibitors
how do MOAIs work and is there side effects?
given as a last resort
have serious side effects
stop enzymes breaking down monamines in synapse
have to have strict diet as can react with certain foods such as cheese and pickles
what percentage of the effect of drugs is placebo effect? (W)
30-40%
what is the placebo effect a weakness?
means the drugs don’t actually work it is just in the patients mind
one the drug is stopped, what rates are high? (W)
recurrence and relapse rates
what does palliative mean?
relieving pain rather than dealing with the cause
why are drugs palliative and not curative? (W)
they do not directly cure the disease or target the cause but relieve some of the symptoms
are all drugs used for mental health palliative?
yes
why is it a weakness if patients reposing well to antidepressants?
they may have to take them indefinitely in order to stop recurrence
if psychotherapy and other treatments doe not work why is drugs a strength? (S)
they are the only treatment that will work
what is a weakness in terms of ethics? (W)
cause serious side effects, especially old fashioned ones, SSRIS have been to linked to suicidal ideation in young people
why are drugs practical? (S)
they are cheaper and can be provided immediately whereas there is usually a waiting list for other therapies
why might there be ethical concerns in the patient to doctor relationship?(W)
doctor is prescribing the meds so patient may feel like they have no power and that therefore drugs is there only option as they are just following what the GP says
what treatment is used when drugs does not work as a last resort?
electroconvulsive treatment
which drugs has been linked to suicidal ideation in young people?
SSRI
what did pin quart d find?
reviewed the effectiveness of drug treatment and psychological treatments and found that psychological treatments were most effective
