Treating mood symptoms
escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), bupropion (Wellbutrin), sertraline (Zoloft), and many more.
Name an as-needed medication for sleep.
Melatonin, clonidine, benzodiazepines, quetiapine, trazodone, etc.
This medicine, often taken for bipolar disorder, requires routine blood tests to monitor different levels.
Lithium
This supplement is commonly used as needed for sleep.
Melatonin
A patient who becomes very energetic when starting an antidepressant for the first time should be closely monitored for what?
Mania (a feature of bipolar disorder)
Antidepressants take time to begin working. How many weeks does an SSRI take to see major benefits (+/-2 weeks)?
4-8 weeks, depending on the medication and dose.
Give an example of a "PRN" medication that you might take for medical conditions outside of mental health problems.
Tylenol, ibuprofen, medications for upset stomach, cold/allergy medications, etc.
This class of medications may cause tremor, restlessness, or muscle spasm.
Antipsychotics
Not having enough of this vitamin - especially in the wintertime - may worsen mood symptoms.
Vitamin D
Name a book or movie that talks about mental health.
Inside Out, Turning Red, Perks of Being a Wallflower, etc.
Name two other disorders that might be treated with an antidepressant.
Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, social phobia, and others.
This class of medications is often used to treat severe agitation/behavioral dysregulation.
Antipsychotics and/or benzodiazepines
This class of medications may cause decreased appetite, fast heart rate, or trouble sleeping.
Stimulants/ADHD medications
Heliotherapy, which is a treatment for seasonal affective disorder, means what?
"Helio" = "sun"; spending time in the sun or with a "Happy Lamp" can improve symptoms of SAD
Name three strategies for helping with a panic attack/acute intense anxiety.
Ice dives, talking to someone, breathing exercises, PRNs, sensory tools, etc.
Name an anxiety medication that may be used to help as-needed with severe symptoms.
Clonidine, propranolol, lorazepam, hydroxyzine, and others.
This antipsychotic, often used for severe agitation or dysregulation, is also approved to treat hiccups!
This is a common side effect of medications used to treat anxiety and agitation.
Sedation
Name a type of talk therapy that may be used to help with treatment of mental health problems.
CBT, DBT, supportive, family, interpersonal, ERP, etc.
Name a medication used in psychiatry that can also treat seizures.
Gabapentin, lamotrigine, Depakote, Ativan, etc.
Name a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that may be impacted by antidepressant use.
Serotonin, norephinephrine, dopamine, histamine.
This medication, which is used on an as-needed basis for anxiety, can also be used for itchiness.
Hydroxyzine (Benadryl also acceptable)
We watch patients very closely for rash when prescribing this medication, as it is a rare but serious possible side effect.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Physical activity can help with mental health symptoms. Name a type of activity that been associated with significant reductions in depressive symptoms.
Tai chi, yoga, dance, walking, running, and strength training
Everyone on your team must name a goal for something they'd like to do this afternoon. It can be therapeutic, related to self-care/relaxation, or social, depending on how you're feeling.
:)