Depression Flashcards
What does medicine give u
Depression lol
Define depression
Common mental health condition characterised by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Risk factors for depression
- Family history of depression or other mental disorders
- Personal history of other mental disorders
- Chronic stress
- Chronic pain
- Thyroid disorders
- Substance abuse
- Loneliness
Signs/symptoms of depression
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, guilt
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Difficulty/excessive sleeping
- Changes in appetite/weight (up or down)
- Chronic fatigue/lack of energy
- Difficulty making decisions and concentrating
- Loneliness/Withdrawal
Physical manifestations of depression
- Weight gain/loss
- Fatigue/low energy levels
- Headaches/digestive problems
- Reduced libido/sexual dysfunction
- Weakened immune system
- Menstrual changes
- Chronic pain/discomfort without known cause
Screening tools for depression
PHQ-9 Questionnaire
Beck depression inventory
HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale)
Treatment of depression
Mild
- Wait and see (2 week follow up)
- Exercise
- Self help
Mild/Moderate
- CBT/IAPT services
- Social prescribing
Moderate/severe
- Pharmacological treatment
How can a depression patient self help (6)
- Support groups
- Volunteering/ pursuit of interests
- Exercise
- Good sleep
- Avoid Alcohol/drugs/triggers
- Meditation
Pharmacological treatments of depression
- Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline
- Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) - Venlafaxine, duloxetine
- Tricyclic antidepressant - amitriptyline
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Selegiline
MoA of SSRI
Inhibit neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) from synaptic cleft, increasing its availability for neurotransmission
Side effects of SSRIs
- GI disturbance (+PPI if ulcers)
- Sleep/weight disturbance
- Suicidal thoughts and anxiety increased for a week or 2 post initiation
Contraindication of SSRIs
CI with another MAOI, can cause serotonin syndrome due to excess serotonin
Side effects of TCA
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
- Blurred vision
- Hypotension
- Long QT
Side effects of SNRI
- Raised BP
- Increased anxiety
- GI upset
