Depression Flashcards
How do SSRI’s and SNRI’s differ?
While both medications work by blocking the re-uptake of neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft, SSRI’s only block the reuptake of serotonin, where SNRI’s also block the reuptake of noradrenaline.
briefly explain serotonin syndrome?
his is a serious drug reaction where serotonin levels get too high in the brain. This causes a range of symptoms from mild (shivering/diarrhoea) to more severe seizures, fever and muscle rigidity.
what is dysthymia?
term used to describe persistent mild depression. Involves fewer symptoms but may last longer.
briefly explain what generalised anxiety is.
most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder.
Excessive worrying of at least 6months. No panic, but free floating anxiety Many contexts
No rest; the worry is constant and the client can become fatigued.
What are some symptoms you may expect to see in a clients behavior/appearance that may indicate depression?
sleep disturbances
* Decreased personal cares (may
present as dishevelled, dirty clothes,
bad breath, matted hair)
* Decreased libido
* Fatigue/lack of energy
* Psychomotor retardation/agitation * Changes in eating habits-weight
gain/loss
What response is needed if a person develops tricyclic toxicity?
he patient needs to be transferred to ED. Tricyclics have a narrow therapeutic window, and can be fatal at relatively lower doses. Severe CNS and cardiovascular implications such as seizures, hypotension, coma and ventricular arrythmias.
Why are MAOI’s not typically prescribed?
ecause they can interact with certain food and drinks to induce hypertension.
What should you do if serotonin syndrome
develops?
Withhold medication and inform the doctor.
What are the main neurotransmitters involved in depression?
Serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine
What are some examples of what therapeutic communication look like?
allows effective communication between patient nurse; introducing yourself, position self at same height, appropriate body language, open ended questions, honestly, validations, paraphrasing.
What skills does therapeutic communication involve ?
Involve listening, withholding judgements, referrals in your scope (home help), no assumptions that the problem will go away or topic avoidance, understanding how symptoms effect their daily life.
What is anhedonia?
A common symptom of depression, the loss of interest or pleasure in things that would usually elicit enjoyment.
What are the early screening questions used to detect depression?
During the past month have you often felt down, depressed, or hopeless?
- During the past month have you had little interest or pleasure in doing
What is the DSM-5?
he DSM-5 is the manual for assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders in New Zealand. It does not include any information/guidelines for the treatment of any disorder.
For depression, The DSM-5 states to be diagnosed with depression, the client must have low mood, anhedonia and at least three other symptoms for two weeks of more, most of the day almost every day.
What is psychomotor agitation?
This is the state of restlessness and anxiety that results in repetitive and unintentional movements. This can look like emotional distress, tapping, fidgeting, pacing, hand wringing.
