vocabulary list for medications for depression

affective flattening

Reduced outward expression of emotions.

anergia

Lack of energy or physical weakness.

anhedonia

Inability to feel pleasure or interest in activities.

antidepressant induced suicide risk

Increased risk of suicide during the first 1–2 weeks of antidepressant therapy due to increased energy before mood improves

cognitive disorders

Inaccurate, negative thought patterns targeted in CBT.

depressed mood

Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

functional impairment

Difficulty performing normal social, occupational, or selfcare activities.

learned helplessness

Belief that one has no control over outcomes; associated with chronic depression

major depressive disorder (MDD)

Unipolar depression with ≥5 symptoms for at least 2 weeks, causing significant functional impairment.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Chronic, milder depression lasting ≥2 years in adults or ≥1 year in children.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Severe emotional and physical symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Psychomotor agitation

Restlessness, pacing, inability to sit still.

Psychomotor retardation

Slowed movement, speech, and thought processes.

rumination

Repetitive, negative thinking.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Depression occurring seasonally, usually in winter due to reduced sunlight.

somatic symptoms

Physical symptoms such as fatigue, GI upset, or pain

suicidal ideation

Thoughts about selfharm or suicide

unipolar depression

Depression without manic or hypomanic episodes.

dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward, and pleasure.

neuroplasticity

The brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize; improved by antidepressants and therapy.

neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger between neurons (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine).

norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter affecting alertness, energy, and attention.

receptor sensitivity

How responsive a receptor is to neurotransmitters; changes with chronic antidepressant use.

reuptake inhibition

Blocking the reabsorption of neurotransmitters to increase their availability.

serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and impulse control

synaptic clef

Space between neurons where neurotransmitters are released and reabsorbed.

acute phase of depression treatment

6–12 weeks; focus on symptom reduction and safety

continuation phase of depression treatment

4–9 months; focus on relapse prevention

maintenance phase of depression treatment

Longterm treatment to prevent future episodes

childhood trauma

Adverse childhood experiences increasing risk for depression.

comorbid disorder

A second disorder occurring simultaneously (e.g., anxiety, substance use)

health literacy

Client’s ability to understand health information

role strain

Stress from conflicting social roles (e.g., caregiver burden)

social determinants of health

Environmental and social factors influencing mental health

stigma

Negative societal attitudes toward mental illness

support systems

Family, friends, and community resources that influence recovery.

blunted affect

Reduced emotional expression

delayed responses

Slow speech or difficulty initiating conversation

poor grooming/ hygiene

Neglect of personal care

social isolation

Withdrawal from others

vegetative symptoms

Changes in sleep, appetite, bowel habits, and sexual interest.

1:1 observation

Continuous monitoring of a highrisk client

ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

Basic selfcare tasks

Assertiveness training

Teaching clients to express needs respectfully and confidently.

coping strategies

Skills used to manage stress

Milieu therapy

Structured therapeutic environment promoting safety and healing

safety planning

Structured plan to reduce suicide risk.

Therapeutic alliance

Trusting relationship between nurse and client.

Therapeutic communication

Intentional communication that supports emotional expression and trust

Adjunct therapy

Additional treatment used alongside primary therapy.

augmentation

Adding a second medication to enhance antidepressant effect.

black box warning

FDA’s strongest warning; antidepressants carry one for increased suicide risk in young people.

CYP450 enzymes

Liver enzymes that metabolize medications; SSRIs can inhibit these enzymes

Firstpass metabolism

Initial drug breakdown in the liver before reaching systemic circulation.

half-life

Time required for a drug concentration to decrease by half

polypharmacy

Use of multiple medications, increasing risk of interactions

steady state

Point at which drug intake equals drug elimination.

titration

Gradual adjustment of medication dose.

therapeutic window

Range between effective dose and toxic dose

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

Fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine

• Mechanism: Blocks serotonin reuptake.

• Key terms:

o Bruxism – teeth grinding

o Hyponatremia – low sodium

o Serotonin syndrome – lifethreatening excess serotonin

o Withdrawal syndrome – dizziness, nausea, tremors after abrupt stop

bruxism

teeth grinding

hyponatremia

low sodium

serotonin syndrome

life threatening excess serotonin

withdrawal syndrome

dizziness, nausea, tremors after abrupt stop of SSRIs

SNRIs (SerotoninNorepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

Venlafaxine, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine

• Mechanism: Increases serotonin and norepinephrine.

• Key terms:

o Hypertension risk

o Discontinuation syndrome

o Hyponatremia

TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline

• Mechanism: Blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.

• Key terms:

o Anticholinergic effects – dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention

o Orthostatic hypotension

o Cardiac toxicity

o Decreased seizure threshold

MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline patch

• Mechanism: Blocks MAO enzyme, increasing serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine.

• Key terms:

o Tyramine – triggers hypertensive crisis

o Hypertensive crisis – severe, sudden BP elevation

o Hypomania/mania – elevated mood states

Atypical Antidepressants

Bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone, vilazodone

• Mechanisms vary: dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, serotonin receptor agonism.

• Key terms:

o Appetite suppression (bupropion)

o Sedation (trazodone, mirtazapine)

o Seizure risk (bupropion)

anticholinergic toxicity

Severe confusion, hallucinations, urinary retention, tachycardia.

GI bleeding risk

Increased with SSRIs + NSAIDs or anticoagulants

hyponatremia

Low sodium, especially in older adults

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

Rare, lifethreatening reaction to antipsychotics; important when antidepressants are combined with antipsychotics

Orthostasis

Drop in BP when standing

QT prolongation

Heart rhythm disturbance associated with some antidepressants.

Serotonin syndrome

Confusion, fever, sweating, tremors, hyperreflexia, diarrhea, hallucinations.

Behavioral activation

Encouraging engagement in meaningful activities to improve mood.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Therapy focused on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors.

Therapy focused on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors.

Therapy focused on relationships and social functioning

Psychoeducation

Teaching clients about their illness, medications, and coping strategies.