drug therapy as a treatment for depression

Question 1

how do anti-depressants work?

Answer 1

these drugs work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline which are thought to play a role in our mood

Question 2

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer 2

these block the reuptake of serotonin when it is released from a neuron so it is available for longer

there is more opportunity for other neurons to absorb it which should increase levels in the brain and improving mood

Question 3

serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Answer 3

blocks the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline

this enhances the effect of serotonin and noradrenaline for a longer period of time which helps to improve mood

Question 4

monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer 4

prevent the enzyme monoamine oxidase from doing its job properly, which is to break down serotonin and noradrenaline after they have been released from neurons

because the monoamine oxidase is prevented from doing this as easily, this means more of these neurotransmitters are available and this in turn lifts a person’s mood

Question 5

tricyclics (TCAs)

Answer 5

some of the oldest drugs for depression (1950s)

boost the effect of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain by preventing the reabsorption of these neurotransmitters into the neuron

enhances mood because the neurotransmitters have longer to act on the brain

Question 6

strengths of drug therapy as a treatment for depression

Answer 6

improve mood quickly

helps them to access other psychological therapies - drugs can help improve mood which should improve their motivation so they are more likely to benefit from another type of therapy such as CBT

50 - 65% of patients show improvement compared to only 20% who had a placebo - this suggests that there is strong evidence that the drugs have a positive effect on the symptoms of patients

Question 7

weaknesses of drug therapy as a treatment for depression

Answer 7

side effects - MAOIs can cause dangerous side effects if combined with certain foods. Antidepressants and make patients feel drowsy, nauseous and dizzy, and they caused disturbed sleep

treats the symptoms as not the cause - A patient may begin to feel better but once the medication has left their body they may relapse