Clinical: Antidepressants (Ud)

Question 1

When were SSRI’s created?

Answer 1

The 80s

Question 2

Give an example of an SSRI.

Answer 2

Fluoxetine one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the UK.

Question 3

What do SSRI’s do?

Answer 3

Block serotonin reuptake so it starts in the synapse for longer.
=a prolonged antidepressant effects of serotonin being repeatedly binded with receptors on the post synaptic neutron.

Question 4

Evaluate the supporting evidence of drug treatments for unipolar depression.

Answer 4

Cipriani et al:
Conducted a meta-analysis of 21 studies of antidepressants. All drugs were found to be more effective than the placebo.

Question 5

What is the opposing evidence of drug treatments for unipolar depression?

Answer 5

Cipriani:
Also found varying effectiveness of anti-depressants. Eg: the most effective drug had the lowest compliance rate meaning people were likely to stop taking them.

Question 6

What is a different theory to drug treatments for unipolar depression?

Answer 6

Drug tests symptom not cause:
Drugs stabilise the brain but only while the patient is on medication. CBT can teach coping mechanisms that help an individual identify and tackle the root cause.

Question 7

What is the application of drug treatments for unipolar depression?

Answer 7

Side effects:
If we know the side effects that antidepressants can cause then we can manage them by monitoring diet and medication.
Increases credibility as more people are likely to accept it.