Depression
What symptoms are commonly associated with depression? Try to recall 2-3 symptoms if you can :)
Sleeping too much or too little
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
Feeling tired or having a lack of energy
Having trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Eating more or less than usual, or having no appetite
Acting restless or have trouble staying still, or moving or speaking more slowly than normal
Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself
Name at least 2 of the 3 neurotransmitters that regulate depression and anxiety
serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine
Which antidepressant is more likely to cause weight gain and sedation as a potential side effect?
Mirtazepine
What are some factors that can cause depression?Try to recall 2-3 symptoms if you can :)
Family history of depression, major life changes or stressors, certain medical conditions, and chemical imbalances in the brain.
Which neurotransmitter helps manage our energy, concentration, and alertness?
Norepinephrine
Which antidepressant can also be used to help with nicotine dependence?
Bupropion
People who are depressed tend to:
A. Eat more than usual
B. Eat less than usual
C. Either A or B
The correct answer is either A or B. While some people lose interest in food when they are depressed, others turn to food for comfort and overeat.
Which neurotransmitter do SSRIs (such as sertraline or escitalopram) primarily target?
Serotonin
Mr. John Doe is feeling flu-like symptoms, including tiredness, headaches, body aches, and sweating, after suddenly stopping his sertraline. What medical term could he be experiencing?
Withdrawal symptoms!
When someone suddenly stops taking an SSRI like sertraline, their body may react with some physical and mental symptoms due to the withdrawal. These can vary in how strong they feel and how long they last.
Common symptoms can be similar to having a flu, including fatigue, headaches, body aches, sweating, trouble sleeping, nausea, anxiety, irritability, and agitation.
What are the two common treatment options we can consider for treating depression?
1. Medications: Antidepressants (also mood stabilizers and antipsychotics)
2. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help people recognize and work through difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Which neurotransmitters do bupropion primarily target?
Dopamine and norepinephrine
What problems are associated with high serotonin levels?
Serotonin syndrome!
Mild symptoms include shivering, heavy sweating, confusion, restlessness, high blood pressure, muscle twitches and diarrhea.
Severe symptoms include high fever, seizures, fainting and abnormal heartbeat.