Depression Flashcards
What is the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for MDD?
At least 5 symptoms of IN SAD CAGES have to be present during the same 2-week period, causing significant distress or functional impairment.
Symptoms not caused by an underlying medical condition or substance
What does the acronym “IN SAD CAGES” stand for?
INterest - decreased interest and pleasure in normal activities
Sleep - insomnia or hypersomnia
Appetite - decreased appetite, weight loss
Depressed mood
Concentration - impaired concentration and decision making
Activity - psychomotor retardation or agitation
Guilt - feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Energy - decreased energy or fatigue
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
What is the treatment for mild depression?
Non-pharmacological management.
Antidepressants are NOT indicated in mild depression
What are the non-pharmacological management options for depression?
Sleep hygiene to improve sleep habits
Psychotherapy
Neurostimulation (electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) or rTMS for severe/refractory cases)
When are anti-depressants indicated?
For moderate-severe depression
How is treatment usually initiated for patients with moderate to severe depression?
Antidepressants + Adjunctive meds (+ non-pharm)
How are antidepressants selected?
Select antidepressant based on target symptoms, comorbid conditions, drug interactions, prior response, preference
What are adjunctive medications, why are they needed and what are examples of them?
Prescribed short course of PRN hypnotics/anxiolytics as antidepressants do not work very fast; some symptoms such as insomnia may require more rapid relief and so patients may benefit from a short course of sleeping pills
First line antidepressant monotherapy
SSRI, SNRI, Mirtazipine or bupropion (1st 3 are subsidised → affordable)
What are the phases of treatment for depression?
Initiation
Acute phase treatment
Continuation phase
How long does acute phase treatment last and why does it require this length of treatment?
4-8 weeks; there is delayed onset due to down-regulation of pre-synaptic autoreceptors
What is the definition of adequate trial in acute phase treatment?
Adequate dose and adequate duration
During the acute phase, when can patients start to see improvements in symptoms?
1-2 weeks for physical symptoms (eg sleep, appetite)
4-6 weeks for mood symptoms
What is the continuation phase?
Continuation of the drug dose from acute phase for at least 4-9 months more
What is the total duration of treatment before we take a patient off antidepressants?
6-12 months (1-2 months to titrate dose, then 4-9 months to continue treatment)
What are the classes of antidepressants?
TCA (amitriptyline, clomipramine)
SSRI (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, escitalopram)
SNRI (venlafaxine, duloxetine)
SMS - serotonin modulators and simulators (vortioxetine)
NaSSA (mirtazipine)
RIMA - reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (moclobemide)
NDRI (bupropion)
Melatonin receptor agonist (agomelatine)
Which class of antidepressants can also be used to treat anxiety disorders?
Drugs that oromote serotonin
Examples of SSRIs
fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, escilatopram, citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline
Examples of SNRIs
venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine
Which drug is almost identical in structure to venlafaxine?
Tramadol (and thus many SNRIs have pain relief properties as well)
What are the other indications of duloxetine?
Diabetic neuropathy, stress urinary incontinence, fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain
Why are tricyclic antidepressants not good for elderly?
Very anticholinergic - can cause delirium, constipation and urinary retention
Very sedating and hypotensive
What are examples of TCAs?
Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline
Clomipramine
Imipramine
What is an advantage of TCAs?
Track record of efficacy and safety for anxiety and depressive disorders
Relatively safe for use in pregnancy
MOA of TCAs?
Inhibit reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin but also antagonise the cholinergic, histaminic, alpha adrenergic receptors
Side effects of TCAs
GI and sexual dysfunction (due to serotonin)
Anticholinergic: constipation, dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, delirium in elderly
Antihistaminic: sedation and weight gain
Alpha1 adrenergic antagonism: orthostatic hypotension
Arrythmias, seizures, can be fatal on overdose
MOA of SSRIs?
Blocks reuptake of 5HT selectively
Which SSRI has concerns for QTc prolongation?
Escitalopram and citalopram
Which SSRI leads to the most weight gain and sedation?
Paroxetine
What black box warning does venlafaxine have?
Increased high blood pressure
What are the side effects of SNRIs?
GI and sexual dysfunction
Increased blood pressure
What are the side effects of vortioxetine?
Sexual dysfunction and GI
What additional agonism does vortioxetine provide?
5HT1A receptors