Depression: Major Depressive Disorder Flashcards
Mood
pervasive and sustained emotion that may have a major influence on a persons perception of the world
ex: depression, joy, elation, anger, and anxiety
Mood Disorders
(affective disorder)
- pervasive alterations in emotions that are manifested by depression, mania, or both
- interfere with a persons life; plaguing him or her with drastic and long-term sadness, agitation, or elation
- most common psychiatric diagnosis associated with suicide: depression is one of the most important risk factors for it
Neurochemical Theories
- neurotransmitters
- focus on serotonin and norepinephrine for mood disorders
- deficiencies
Serotonin
mood, activity, aggressiveness, and irritability, cognition, pain, biorhythms, and neuroendocrine processes (i.e. growth hormone, cortisol, and prolactin levels are abnormal in depression)
-deficits of serotonin, its precursor tryptophan, or a metabolite (5- hydroxyindole acetic acid) of serotonin occur in people with depression
Noreepinephrine
deficient in depression
Neuroendocrine Influences
endocrine disorders such as of the thyroid, adrenal, parathyroid, or pituitary glad
- hormonal fluctuation
- hypothyroidism
Etiology
- structural abnormalities in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex
- endocrine; hypothyroidism
- neurochemical; deficits in serotonin and norepinephrine
Risk Factors for Suicidal Behavior- Depression
- completed suicide occurs in 10-15%
- personal or family history of suicidal behavior
- severity and number of depressive episodes
- alcohol or substance abuse/ dependence
- level of pessimism and hoplessness
Major Depressive Disorder
involves 2 weeks or more of a sad mood or lack of interest in life activities, with at least 4 other symptoms of depression such as anhedonia and changes in weight, sleep, energy, concentration, decision-making, self-esteem, and goals
Patients experiencing the depressive phase show what kind of complaints to the doctor?
-somatic complaints
“better to be physically hurt than mentally”
Patients in the Manic Phase do what for help?
often do not seek psychiatric or medical attention
Onset and Clinical Course
- an untreated episode can last for a few weeks to months or years, though most episodes clear in about 6 months
- symptoms can vary from mild to severe
Depression Results If….(neurotransmitters)
too few neurotransmitters are being released, if they linger too briefly in synapses, if the releasing presynaptic neurons reabsorb them too quickly, if conditions in synapses do not support linkage with post-synaptic receptors, or if the number of postsynaptic receptors decreased
Psychopharmacology Goal
increase the efficacy of available neurotransmitters and the absorption of post-synaptic receptors
Psychopharmacology
anti-depressants
Categories:
-monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
-atypical anti-depressants
-the choice of which anti-depressant to use is based on the clients symptoms, age, and physical needs
Anti-Depressants
establish a blockade for the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin into their specific nerve terminals
- this permits them to linger longer in synapses and to be more available to post-synaptic receptors
- also increase the sensitivity of the post-synaptic receptor sites
Psychopharmacology: What to use with clients who have acute depression with psychotic features?
an anti-psychotic is used in combination with a anti-depressant
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
- most frequently prescribed anti-depressant
- Action: is specific to serotonin reuptake inhibition
- drugs produce few sedating, anti-cholinergic, and cardiovascular side effects, which is safer for adults
- patients are more compliant with treatment regimen because of low side effects
Examples of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
SSRI: Sertraline: Side Effects
dizziness, sedation, headache, insomnia, tremor, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, dry mouth and throat. nausea, vomiting, and sweating
SSRI: Sertraline: Nursing Implications
- administer in PM if drowsy
- encourage use of sugar free hard candy and beverages
- drink adequate fluids
- monitor hyponatremia
- report sexual difficulties to physician
SSRI: Fluoxetine: Side Effects
headache, nervousness, anxiety, sedation, tremor, sexual dysfunction, anorexia, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss
SSRI: Fluoxetine: Nursing Implications
- administer in AM if nervous
- administer in PM if drowsy
- monitor for hyponatremia
- encourage adequate fluids
- report sexual difficulties to physician
SSRI: Paroxetine: Side effects
dizziness, sedation, headache, insomnia, weakness, fatigue, constipation, dry mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating