depression

what is the monoamine hypothesis

depression is caused by a function deficit of monoamine transmitters, noradrenaline and dopamine and 5HT in sites of the brain which manifest as both psychological and physical symptoms

what are the limitations no 1

studies found that monoamine metabolism in depressed patients and the measurement of monoamine receptor changes in post-mortem brain tissue are inconsistent.

limitations 2

amphetamines increase monoamine levels but don’t effect mood

limits 3

direct neurochemical effects of anti-depressant drugs work rapidly whereas they can take weeks to develop an effect on patients

name three treatment options

tricyclic anti-depressants, specific serotonin uptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors