Depression Flashcards
(134 cards)
What conditions can people with depression suffer from?
People with depression suffer greatly with persistent feelings of hopelessness, dejection, constant worry, poor concentration, a lack of energy, an inability to sleep and, sometimes, suicidal tendencies
What neurotransmitters are believed to be involved in depression?
Serotonin (5-HT), Norepinephrine (NE), Epinephrine (Epi), dopamine (DA), glutamate and acetylcholine (ACh)
What key drugs can cause or worsen depression?
- ADHD medications: Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Analgesics (Indomethacin)
- Antiretrovirals (NRTIs): Efavirenz (in Atripla), Rilpivirine (in Complera, Odefsey)
- Cardiovascular medications: beta-blockers (especially propranolol)
- Hormones: hormonal contraceptives, anabolic steroids
- Other: antidepressants, benzodiazepines, systemic steroids, interferons, varenicline, ethanol
What assessment is used to diagnosed depression?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)
What is another example of a widely used depression assessment scale?
The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale where the patient rates their symptoms of depression on a numerical scale, and the total score indicates whether or not depression is present
Describe the DSM-5 Criteria
At least 5 of the following symptoms present during the same two week period (must include depressed mood or diminished interest/pleasure): Mood (depressed), Sleep (increased/decreased), Interest/pleasure (diminished), Guilt or feelings of worthlessness, Energy (decreased), Concentration (decreased), Appetite (increased/decreased), Psychomotor agitation or retardation, Suicidal ideation
*M SIG E CAPS
What is necessary to rule out prior to initiating antidepressant therapy?
It is necessary to rule out bipolar disorder prior to initiating antidepressant therapy to avoid inducing mania or cause rapid-cycling (cycling rapidly between bipolar depression and mania)
What should not be used when depression and anxiety occur together?
When depression and anxiety occur together, BZDs should not be used alone; they can worsen and/or mask depression and can be problematic in patients with concurrent substance abuse disorders
What natural products may be helpful for treating depression?
St. John’s Wort, SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine), valerian, or 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) may be helpful for treating depression
What are some key drug interactions of natural products that may be helpful for depression?
St. John’s Wort, SAme and 5-HTP can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome and should not be used with other serotonergic agents. St. John’s Wort is a broad-spectrum CYP450 enzyme inducer with many significant drug interactions, and it can cause phototoxicity. Valerian can cause sedation
What needs to be assessed prior to and during drug treatment for depression?
Treatment of depression can require one or more trials of medication/s. If a drug does not work after a suitable trial of at least 4-8 weeks, treatment should be reassessed. A thorough patient history is critical; what worked in the past, or did not work, should help guide therapy
How should mild depression be treated?
Mild depression should be treated with psychotherapy (e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy)
How should moderate to severe depression be treated?
Moderate to severe depression should be treated with medication in addition to the option of psychotherapy. The effectiveness of the different antidepressant classes is generally comparable
What should the initial choice of pharmacotherapy be based on?
The initial choice of medication should be based on the side effect profile, safety concerns and patient-specific symptoms. For most patients an SSRI or SNRI is preferred or mirtazapine or bupropion
What should be done if a woman is on antidepressants and wishes to become pregnant?
It may be possible to taper the drug if the depression is mild and she has been symptom-free for the previous six months. In more severe cases, medications may need to be continued
What do the ACOG guidelines recommend for mild depression in pregnancy?
The ACOG guidelines for mild depression in pregnancy recommend psychotherapy first, followed by drug treatment if needed
What is the concern of the initiation of drug treatment in pregnancy?
The risks of adverse outcomes for both the mother and the unborn baby so the risk versus benefit must be considered individually
What drug treatment is often used initially in depression and pregnancy?
SSRIs are often used initially, with the exception of paroxetine, due to potential cardiac effects
What is the risk of use of SSRIs in pregnancy?
There is a warning regarding SSRI use during pregnancy and the potential risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
What are some recommendations of treatment for postpartum depression?
Breastfeeding helps for physical and emotional symptoms, and is considered beneficial for the baby. Drug safety when breastfeeding is essential. SSRIs or tricyclics are generally preferred (with the exception of doxepin). Brexanolone (Zulresso), a C-IV drug, is FDA-approved for postpartum depression. It is given as a continuous IV infusion over 60 hours and can cause excessive sedation
What population is the use of oral nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors limited to?
Due to safety concerns, the use of oral nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine and iocarboxazid is restricted to patients unresponsive to other treatments
What is a safety concern of the use of one or more serotonergic medications?
Since many antidepressants increase serotonin levels, serotonin syndrome can occur with the administration of one or more serotonergic medications. The risk is most severe when a MAO inhibitor is administered with another serotonergic medication
What are some symptoms of serotonin syndrome?
Severe nausea, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, agitation, tachycardia, hallucinations or muscle rigidity
What should be done if an antidepressant is being discontinued?
If an antidepressant is being discontinued, it should generally be tapered over several weeks to avoid withdrawal