Depression and Antidepressants

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to depression and the treatment of major depressive disorder with antidepressants.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and other symptoms that impair daily functioning.

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder

Include sadness, lack of motivation, fatigue, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, and recurrent thoughts of death.

Antidepressant

A class of medications used to treat major depressive disorder, which includes several subclasses.

SSRIs

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, a type of antidepressant that works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin.

TCA

Tricyclic Antidepressants, which block reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, potentially leading to various side effects.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, a type of antidepressant that inhibits the enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters.

Discontinuation Syndrome

A condition that can occur when a patient abruptly stops taking an SSRI, characterized by flu-like symptoms, insomnia, and sensory disturbances.

Wine and Cheese Effect

A potentially dangerous reaction associated with MAOIs due to the consumption of tyramine-rich foods, leading to increased blood pressure.

Efficacy of SSRIs

SSRIs are slightly effective in treating severe depression but no more effective than placebo for mild to moderate depression.

Fetal Effects of Antidepressants

Concerns regarding the use of antidepressants during pregnancy, including risks of low birth weight and neonatal withdrawal symptoms.

Suicidality in Youth

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior noted in children and adolescents taking antidepressants.

Screening for Depression

The rates of diagnosis for depression significantly dropped after public health warnings about antidepressant risks in children.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially fatal condition resulting from high doses of SSRIs or the combination of SSRIs with other serotonergic drugs.

Psychotherapy and Pharmacotherapy

Combining psychotherapy with medications may improve treatment outcomes and lower relapse rates.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms experienced upon discontinuation of antidepressants, which may include anxiety, insomnia, and flu-like symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A form of psychotherapy that may enhance the effects of antidepressant medications and reduce the risk of relapse.