Drug therapy- depression

Question 1

Overview of drug therapy

Answer 1

Drug therapy is offered to individuals with a history of moderate or severe depression that keeps coming back and the symptoms have lasted for a long time. The type of drug used is called antidepressants; they raise the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradreneline. These neurotransmitters are thought to play a role in mood.

Question 2

Types of antidepressants

Answer 2

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s)
Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI’s)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s)
Tricyclics (TAC’s)

Question 3

Strengths of drug therapy

Answer 3

It can improve a patients symptoms enough to make it easier for them to access other psychological therapies. the drugs can help improve the mood and motivation of the patient
A study shows that 50-65% of patients with moderate or severe depression saw improvements compared to 25-30% who were given a placebo. This suggests that the drugs have a positive effect on the symptoms of patients

Question 4

Weaknesses of drug therapy

Answer 4

It can have some unpleasant side effects. Antidepressants in general can make you feel drowsy, nauseous and dizzy.
Patients are becoming more likely to relapse after treatment for depression. This suggests that the drugs are not treating the cause of depression itself.