BIOCHEMICAL TREATMENTS OF MOOD AFFECTIVE DISORDERS Flashcards
What are the 3 classess of antidepressants used to treat MAD’s?
- Tricyclics.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) .
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) .
(MAOIs) ?
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
(SSRI’s)
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
What are tricylics?
- A class of 1st gen antidepressants.
- Used to treat depression, anxiety and (sometimes) chronic pain.
- They work by increasing levels of serotonin and norophinephrine in the brain.
- By stopping their reabsorption into nerve cells.
How do triycylics work?
- Increase levels of certain neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation (serotonin and norepinephrine).
- By stopping them from being reabsorbed into nerve cells.
- Thus, improving connections between neurons and elevating moods
Name 2 types of tricylics?
- Imipramine.
- Doxepin.
Name 3 side effects of tricyclics?
1) Anticholinergic effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation)
2) Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido)
Because of these side effects, TCAs are generally used when newer antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) are ineffective.
What is monamine oxidase?
- An enzyme
- Responsible for breaking down serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine.
How do Monamine Oxidase Inhibitors work?
- Works by inhibiting the action of monamine oxidase (enzyme responsibe for breaking down serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine).
- This inhibition of MO, increases the availability of these NT in the brain.
What is Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors?
- A class of antidepressants.
- Used to treat depression.
- By inhibiting the action of monamine oxidase (an enzyme which breaks down S/N/D) thus increasing theur avaibility in the brain.
Can you give an example of 2 types of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors?
- Phenelzine
- Selegiline
Name 2 side effects of Monomaine oxidase inhibitors?
- Major negative interactions with other painkillers, antidepressants and foods that contain tyramine (this can cause dangerous increases in blood pressure)
2.Dizziness and lightheadedness (due to drops in blood pressure)
Because of these risks, MAOIs are usually prescribed only when other antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) are ineffective.
What are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRRIS)?
- A class of anti-depressants.
- Used to treat depression, anxiety and OCD.
- Works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, ensuring serotonin stays in the synaptic gap for longer, to improve mood.
Has fewer side-effects than older antidepressants.
Name 3 types of SSRI’s?
1) Sertaline.
2) Fluoxetine.
3) Citralopram.
How do SRRI’s work?
1) Reuptake Process: Any unused serotonin is reabsorbed by the pre-synaptic neuron (reuptake) to regulate levels.
2) SSRIs Action: SSRIs block the serotonin transporter (SERT), preventing reuptake.
3) Increased Serotonin – More serotonin stays in the synaptic gap for longer.
4) Mood Improvement – This enhances serotonin’s effects, helping with depression and anxiety.
SERT (serotonin transporter) helps to reabsorb unused serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron.
Name 2 side-effects of SRRI’s
- Gastrointestinal issues (nausea and diarrhea)
- Weight loss/gain
- Sleep issues (insomina or drowsiness)
What did Rucci et al (2011) find in terms of the efficacy of SRRI’s?
- SRRI’s may delay the onset of suicdal thoughts in major depression, compared to psychotherapy.
Which researchers found that SRRI’S delay the onset of suicidal thoughts in major depression (compared to psychotherapy)?
- Rucci et al (2012)
What would be a good drug treatment for Bipolar disorder?
- Anti-psychotics
How do antipsychotics work?
- Block dopamine receptors (D2 receptors) in the brain.
- Why? To reduce excessive dopamine activity that contrubutes to symptoms like mania/ psychosis.
Give 1 example of an anti-psychotic?
- Olanzapine
