Depression Treatment and Pharmacology (Lecture Notes)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on depression evaluation, pharmacology, side effects, emergencies, and therapies.

Depression

A treatable mental disorder characterized by persistent low mood and other symptoms; treated with medications, psychotherapy, ECT, TMS, and self-care strategies.

Diagnostic evaluation

Comprehensive assessment including interview, mental status exam, psychosocial assessment, and physical exam (often by a PCP), plus labs to rule out medical causes.

Antidepressant medications

Drugs that modify brain chemistry to help regulate neurotransmitters and improve mood in depression.

Neurotransmitter

Brain chemical messengers (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine) involved in mood regulation.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antidepressants that block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse; common side effects include GI upset, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia.

Fluoxetine

An SSRI antidepressant commonly used to treat depression; increases serotonin in the synapse.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Antidepressants that block reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, helping improve mood; may cause GI upset and sleep disturbances.

Venlafaxine

An SNRI antidepressant that inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake; associated with GI upset, insomnia, and other side effects.

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI)

Antidepressants that block reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine; example: bupropion.

Bupropion

An NDRI antidepressant; increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the synapse; commonly causes tachycardia and insomnia.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Old class that blocks presynaptic norepinephrine and partly serotonin; often causes anticholinergic side effects and orthostatic hypotension.

Amitriptyline

A TCA; increases NE and serotonin in the synapse; can cause anticholinergic side effects.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Antidepressants that inhibit monoamine oxidase, raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine; carry risk of hypertensive crisis with tyramine foods.

Phenelzine

An MAOI antidepressant; requires dietary precautions to avoid hypertensive crisis.

QTc prolongation

Delayed cardiac electrical conduction that may occur with some antidepressants and can lead to arrhythmias.

Anticholinergic side effects

Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and related effects commonly associated with TCAs and other drugs.

Serotonin Syndrome

Potentially life-threatening reaction from high serotonin activity; includes mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular symptoms.

SHIVERS mnemonic

A memory aid for serotonin syndrome: Shivering, Hyperreflexia, Increased temperature, Vital sign abnormalities, Encephalopathy, Restlessness, Sweating.

Hypertensive crisis

Medical emergency from MAOI interaction with tyramine or certain drugs; severe hypertension with risk of organ damage.

Boxed Warning

FDA-mandated serious safety warning highlighting suicide risk in children/adolescents/young adults when using antidepressants.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Brief electrical brain stimulation under anesthesia for severe depression; typically 6–12 treatments; may cause short-term memory problems.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Noninvasive brain stimulation using magnetic fields to target mood-related regions; sessions usually 30–60 minutes without anesthesia.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Psychotherapy that helps identify and modify distorted thinking and maladaptive behaviors to improve mood.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A CBT-based therapy focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Maintenance therapy

Long-term treatment to prevent recurrence of depression, often continuing meds for six months or more after symptom improvement.

Onset and duration of antidepressants

Initial improvement may occur in 1–2 weeks; full benefit often takes 2–3 months; continue therapy for at least 6 months after improvement.

Coping strategies for depression

Lifestyle approaches (exercise, adequate sleep, healthy diet, avoiding alcohol) to reduce symptoms and improve well-being.