LS5010 Neuropharmacology Flashcards
Outline what is known of the neurochemical changes in depressed patients?
hypothesised in the 1965 that depressed patients have a functional deficit or low levels of 2 main monoamine transmitters serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and noradrenaline
List the main drug categories used to treat depression.
- Tricyclic antidepressants - (TCAs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors - (MAIOs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - (SSRIs)
- Selective serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors - (SSNRIs)
- Atypical drugs
What is depression?
Disorder of mood known as an affective disorder. Ranges from mild, normal and to severe (psychotic)
Define Unipolar depression and Bipolar depression with mania. Listing causes for each.
Unipolar Depression - commonly associated with stressful life events, accompanied by emotional symptoms also be termed reactive depression.
Bipolar Depression with mania - Associated with mood swings, Sufferers exhibit excessive exuberance, enthusiasm, and self-confidence which in some days are accompanied by impulsive action, these signs often being combined with irritability, impatience, aggression, and sometimes over-inflated sense of worth.
What are some biological and emotional symptoms of depression?
Emotional Symptoms -
Low mood, excessive negative thought, misery, apathy, and pessimism. Low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, inadequacy, ugliness, indecisiveness, and loss of motivation.
Biological Symptoms - Retardation of thought and action, loss of libido, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite. Hypochondria
What test is used to diagnose depressed patients?
Hamilton depression rating scale (HADRS). Consists of 17-24 questions.
What does HADRS result show?
Results from the questions are collected, then scored, high scores patients are diagnosed as being severely depressed, opposite for a patient not depressed. Often used in drug trials, testing the effectiveness of a drug being developed and side effects
