Systemic Drugs - CNS Flashcards
what % of the population take CNS drugs
25
How many people have mental health problems?
1/3 of the population : depression has the highest prevalence (like me studying)
1/250 also have psychotic illness this includes Bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia
How does the GP diagnose depression?
- subthreshold depression : less then 5 symptoms (normal mood changes)
- Mild : just north of 5 symptoms and minor functional impairment
- moderate depression (area between mild and severe)
- severe : have most of the symptoms, including with and without psychotic symptoms, interfere with functioning
what is watchful waiting?
the px does not want intervention / mild depression we dont give intervention we just keep an eye.
Exercise and light therapy will help a px with mild dep
What are two low-intensity psychological therapy interventions?
CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) - group intervention
CCBT (computerised cognitive behavioural therapy) - group online
We give CBT/CCBT to mild depressed px, what do we give to moderate/severe depressed px? (OR someone who has been subthreshold depressed for a long time)
DRUGS
How do we prescribe drugs for severe/ moderate , prolonged subthreshold px?
- Look at past experience - if they have any
- px choice
- Look for any side effects (BNF) or chance of them using the drug to hit the hay permanently (suicide)
What is the therapeutic aim of these drugs?
maintain the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain ;
- serotonin (5-HT) (SSRI / TCA)
-noradrenaline (TCA)
- dopamine
How do Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work?
- The will bind to 5-HT transporter protein
- This prevents them going back to the presynaptic neuron for retake up
- Maintains 5-HT level in the synaptic cleft so increases likelihood of binding to the target
What are four examples of SSRI?
Citalopram (cipramil)
Escitalopram (cipralex)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (seroxat)
How does TCA work?
Same as SSRI but also works on noradrenaline toooo.
There is accumulation of 5-HT and noradrenaline too
They are not first line though, we start with SSRI
What is an advantage to TCA?
long half life = helps px sleep too
Which one do we pick TCA vs SSRI?
Look at adverse effects on the profile of the drug… see if the px is suitable
SSRI is safer as overdose wont be as harmful
SSRI is first time
What are four examples of TCA?
Amitriptyline, clomipramine , imipramine, lofepramine
what’s Venlafaxine and Duloxetine?
Next gen drugs, work similar to TCA but different chem structure
SO these or TCA?? Look at the price and side effects
what is monoamine oxidase A?
Enzyme which breaks down amines ; 5-HT and noradrenaline
It converts them into their carboxylic acid.
Look at the diagram on the slide:
- In the presynaptic neuron you can see the inhibitor preventing the break down of the monoamines… this means there is more monoamines neurotransmitter available