Pharmacology of Anxiety and Depression Flashcards

1
Q

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

A
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive disorder
  • Posttraumatic stress syndrome
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2
Q

What are benzodiazepines used for?

A

They are used to decrease tension and nervousness in anxiety disorders.

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3
Q

What is a common benzodiazepine for anxiety?

A

Diazepam (Valium)

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4
Q

How does buspirone differ from benzodiazepines?

A

Buspirone has moderate effects, is slower to take effect (2-4 weeks), and has less risk of sedation and dependence.

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5
Q

What are beta-blockers used for in anxiety?

A

They decrease sympathetic nervous system activity and can reduce situational anxiety without sedation.

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6
Q

What are some adverse effects of anxiety medications?

A

Sedation, psychomotor impairment, rebound anxiety, addiction, and withdrawal concerns.

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7
Q

What is the impact of anxiety on pain management in rehab?

A

Increased anxiety can affect a patient’s tolerance to pain and treatment.

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8
Q

What are the characteristics of depression?

A

Intense feelings of sadness and despair, dysphoric mood, lack of interest in previously pleasurable activities.

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9
Q

What is the prevalence of depression in the US?

A

2.8% of adults have severe symptoms, 4.2% have moderate symptoms, 11.5% have mild symptoms.

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10
Q

What is the Receptor Sensitivity Theory for depression?

A

Depression may alter the sensitivity of receptors, and medications prolong amine neurotransmission to normalize receptor sensitivity.

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11
Q

What is the Neurogenesis Hypothesis for depression?

A

Depression is associated with decreased formation of new neurons and impaired brain connections, which medications may help restore.

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12
Q

How do SSRIs work?

A

They block the reuptake of serotonin, allowing it to exert its effects for longer, improving mood and reducing depression.

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13
Q

What are common SSRIs?

A
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
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14
Q

What are the adverse effects of SSRIs?

A

GI symptoms, less sedation and cardiovascular problems compared to other drugs, risk of serotonin syndrome.

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15
Q

How do SNRIs work?

A

They inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine without affecting dopamine.

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16
Q

What are common SNRIs?

A
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • Vanlafaxine (Effexor)
  • Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
17
Q

What are the adverse effects of SNRIs?

A

Similar to SSRIs, including risk of serotonin syndrome.

18
Q

How do tricyclic antidepressants work?

A

They block the reuptake of amine neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine) into the presynaptic terminal.

19
Q

What are the adverse effects of tricyclic antidepressants?

A

Sedation, anticholinergic effects, cardiovascular risks, high risk of lethal overdose.

20
Q

What is a common tricyclic antidepressant?

A

Amitriptyline

21
Q

How do MAO inhibitors work?

A

They inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, allowing more neurotransmitters to remain in the synaptic cleft.

22
Q

What are the adverse effects of MAO inhibitors?

A

CNS excitation, avoid foods containing tyramine.

23
Q

What is serotonin syndrome?

A

A potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive levels of serotonin, characterized by agitation, restlessness, shivering, increased heart rate, and neuromuscular hyperexcitability.

24
Q

What is trazodone used for?

A

It blocks serotonin receptors and inhibits serotonin reuptake, also used to treat anxiety, chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, and eating disorders.

25
Q

What is Wellbutrin used for?

A

It primarily works on dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, also used for smoking cessation.

26
Q

What is the pharmacokinetics of antidepressants?

A

Oral administration, start with a low dose, effects are exerted at the brain, metabolized in the liver, excreted via biotransformation and renal excretion.

27
Q

How do antidepressants affect chronic pain?

A

They affect CNS monoamine neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, which can reduce chronic pain.

28
Q

What are rehab considerations for patients taking antidepressants?

A

Be aware of side effects such as sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and suicidal thoughts. Nonpharmacological treatments like exercise can also be beneficial.

29
Q

What are some nonpharmacological treatments for depression?

A

Exercise, counseling/support groups, cognitive-behavioral therapies.