Major Depression and Antidepressant Therapy

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the treatment and management of major depression, including different types of antidepressants and therapeutic strategies.

Acute Phase

The initial treatment phase of therapy lasting 6 to 8 weeks, potentially up to 12 weeks.

Continuation Phase

A phase lasting 9 months to 1 year, continuing treatment for 4 to 6 months after resolution of symptoms.

Maintenance Phase

Considered for patients with three or more prior episodes or two episodes within the past 5 years.

Antidepressant Response Rates

Overall response rates are typically between 50-75%, with 50% of patients not responding to the first trial of a first-line antidepressant.

SSRI

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, a class of antidepressants that includes Citalopram, Fluoxetine, and others, which prevent the reuptake of serotonin in the brain.

SNRIs

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, a class of antidepressants that includes Venlafaxine and Duloxetine, which inhibit the uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

A class of antidepressants that includes Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline, known for their potent inhibition of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake.

Atypical Antidepressants

Antidepressants that do not fit neatly into other categories, such as Bupropion, Trazodone, and Mirtazapine, with varied mechanisms and side effects.

Augmenting Therapy

Combining medications or switching to a different drug in response to insufficient efficacy from initial treatment.

Contraindications

Situations where a drug should not be used, such as with certain pre-existing conditions or alongside incompatible medications.