DEPRESSION Flashcards
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that affects a person’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
What are the common causes of depression?
The exact cause of depression is not known, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
What is the prevalence of depression in society?
Depression is a common mental health condition, affecting an estimated 1 in 6 people at some point in their lives. It can occur at any age but often starts in adulthood. Women are more likely to experience depression than men.
What are the common signs and symptoms of depression?
Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person but may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and irritability, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
What are the recommended therapeutic classes of drugs for depression?
The recommended classes of drugs for depression according to UK guidelines are Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and Atypical antidepressants.
What is the first-line treatment for depression in adults in the UK?
SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression in adults in the UK.
How do SSRIs work?
SSRIs work by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
What are SNRIs and when are they used in treating depression?
SNRIs are an alternative first-line treatment for depression when SSRIs are not effective or not tolerated. They work by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, thereby increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft.
What are atypical antidepressants?
Atypical antidepressants are a second-line treatment for depression when SSRIs and SNRIs are not effective or not tolerated. They work by affecting various neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
How do atypical antidepressants work in treating depression?
Atypical antidepressants work by affecting various neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
