The Biological Treatment for Unipolar Depression - Drug Therapy Flashcards
Why are antidepressants given to those with depression?
Because it is believed that depression is caused by an imbance of neurotransmitters in the brain so they work to increase these neurotransmitters
How do antidepressants treat depression?
They are agonists and work by blocking the reuptake of the monoamines such as seretonin and noradrenaline or they prevent an enzyme fromm breaking them down
What form are antidepressants taken in?
Tablet form
What happens when an antidepressant is prescribed?
You start on the lowest possible dose thought necessary to improve your symptoms
How long do they need to be taken for?
At least 7 days, usually 6 months
What happens if you see no benefit when taking them?
After 4 weeks without benefit you may have your dose increased or be given an alternative
What are SSRIs?
selective seretonin reuptake inhibitors
What do SSRIs do?
They prevent the reuptake of seretonin and can be absorbed by vesicles in the synapse
What side effects do SSRIs cause?
insomnia, weight gain, fatigue, nausea, suicidal ideation
What is an example of an SSRI?
Fluoxetine
What is an SNRI?
seretonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor
What do SNRIs do?
paritally blocks the reuptake of seretonin and noradrenaline, more effective than SSRIs
What is an example of an SNRI?
Duloxotine
What do tricyclics do?
Prevent the reuptake of seretonin and noradrenaline but are more dangerous
What is an MAOI?
monoamine oxidase inhibitor
What does an MAOI do?
It prevents the mao enzyme from breaking down monoamines so they are still active at they synapse
What is the issue with MAOIs?
They can’t be combined with SSRIs and have serious side effects like suicidal ideation
What is an example of a tricylic?
Anafranil
Why does Pinquart et al (2006) suggest that they aren’t effective?
He reviewed psychological therapies like CBT and drug therapies and concluded that psychological therapies are more effective
What did a government study in 2006 find about the effectiveness of drug treatment?
That 50% of those with depression who take antidepressants become symptom free, many relapse after medication
Why are the old fashioned drugs like MAOIs and Tricylics impractical?
They produce serious side effects like constipation
Why could antidepressants be said to be practical?
Because they can boost the mood of depressed patients so that other therapies like CBT can be used as otherwise patients may be too depressed to go to CBT
Why can antidepressants be better than CBT?
They are cheaper and can be prescribed immediately rather than putting clients on a waiting list like CBT
Why could CBT be better than antidepressants?
It doesn’t leave side effects and helps the client cope with it rather than temporarily altering a chemical imbalance
Why might antidepressants be unethical?
It gives GPs the power over a patient’s life, they may prescribe ADs because its cheap when CBT may be more effective
What did the world health organisation find in 2005?
That 1/3 will not respond to any treatment suggesting that medication cannot be fully effective
