Session 6: Anxiety & CNS Depressants

Question 1

o Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
o Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
o Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
(SNRIs)
o Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer 1

Drug Classes for Anxiety & Depression

Question 2

o Benzodiazepines
o Barbiturates

Answer 2

Drug Classes for CNS Depressants

Question 3

Low blood pressure that occurs when standing from sitting or lying down

Answer 3

Orthostatic/ postural Hypotension

Question 4

Too much serotonin in synapses of brain

Answer 4

Serotonin syndrome

Question 5

is an amino acid that helps regulate blood pressure. It occurs naturally in the body, and it’s found in certain foods.

Medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block monoamine oxidase, which is an enzyme that breaks down excess ______ in the body.

Answer 5

Tyramine

Question 6

Imbalance of neurotransmitters may lead to signs & symptoms of a CNS disorder.
- norepinephrine
- serotonin

Answer 6

Function of Neurotransmitters

Question 7

abnormal levels associated with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Answer 7

Norepinephrine

Question 8

abnormal levels impact mood, sleep, libido, and temperature. Linked to depression, bipolar, and anxiety.

Answer 8

Serotonin

Question 9

• Disturbance in mood, behavior, and most body systems
• occurs when the intensity and duration of _______ does not match the potential for harm or threat.

Answer 9

Anxiety

Question 10

• Nonpharmacological Interventions: relaxation
techniques, exercise and psychotherapy
•Pharmacological: Anti-Anxiety Medications

Answer 10

Treatments of Anxiety

Question 11

• Aches and pains
• Stomach aches
• Headaches
• Tachycardia
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased agitation
• Crying

Answer 11

S/S of anxiety

Question 12

• Affects 5% of the population
• Most common mental health condition of elderly.
• The symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
• The symptoms cannot be from effects of a substance or from bereavement.

Answer 12

Depression

Question 13

• Therapies: Psychotherapy, Cognitive,
  Electroconvulsive, and Group
• Medications

Answer 13

Treatment for Depression

Question 14

• Depressed Mood
• Diminished Interest
• Weight Gain or Loss
• Excessive or Inadequate Sleep
• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Feelings of Worthlessness
• Inappropriate Guilt
• Lessened Ability to Concentrate
• Recurrent thoughts of Death, Suicidal Ideation, or Suicide Attempts

Answer 14

S/S of Depression

Question 15

A depressed affect plus 5 symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks.

Answer 15

Major Depressive Disorder

Question 16

Treat depression and other mental health disorders, also treat migraines, chronic pain, and premenstrual syndrome.

general classification

Answer 16

Antidepressants Therapeutic Use

Question 17

Increase levels of neurotransmitters in the CNS, including serotonin, dopamine, & norepinephrine, thereby treating an underlying cause of depression.

general classification

Answer 17

Action of Antidepressants

Question 18

Tricyclics and MAOIs

Answer 18

1st generation antidepressants

Question 19

All patients receiving antidepressants should be monitored for signs of worsening depression or changing behavior, especially when medication is started or if the dose is changed.

Answer 19

Nursing Considerations with Antidepressants

Question 20

• monitor for suicidal ideation
• teach family/ pt. About s/s of suicidal ideation
• do not mix with CNS depressants or alcohol
• discontinue gradually if possible

Answer 20

Monitor/Do/Teach for Antidepressants

Question 21

SSRIs and SNRIs

Answer 21

2nd generation antidepressants

Question 22

alter the brain by decreasing excitability of neurotransmitters, blocking their receptor site, or increasing the inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Answer 22

CNS depressants

Question 23

mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).

Answer 23

Serotonin syndrome

Question 24

dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, bowel obstruction, dilated pupils, blurred vision, increased heart rate, and decreased sweating

Answer 24

Anticholinergic Effects

Question 25

Low sodium

Answer 25

Hypoatremia