Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers Overview

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. They are generally considered a first-line treatment for depression.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of antidepressants that work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They are often used for depression and nerve pain.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of antidepressants that work by preventing the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. MAOIs can be dangerous if taken with certain foods or medications, such as tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, cured meats)

Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) are a class of antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They are often used for depression and smoking cessation, but can have side effects like seizures.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are often used for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

Valproic Acid (Depakote) is a mood stabilizer used for acute mania. It's also used for anti-seizures.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is a mood stabilizer used for acute mania and maintenance therapy. It has serious side effects including agranulocytosis (low WBC count).

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is a newer mood stabilizer used for acute and maintenance therapy. It has a risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and a less severe, similar, reaction called drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

Using generalizations that undermine trust, like making assumptions about a client's age or condition.

Offering false hope or reassurance that may discourage clients from expressing their feelings.

Focusing on pity or personal feelings instead of supporting the client.

Asking 'Why' questions that might sound accusatory or judgmental.

Judging a client's decisions or behaviors based on personal beliefs.

Denying or dismissing a client's feelings or concerns to avoid dealing with them.

Using avoidance or hostility instead of assertiveness, often through indirect communication.

A communication technique that aims to understand and respond to a client's feelings and concerns in a way that is empathetic and helpful.

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal deficits, discomfort with close relationships, and eccentric thoughts and behaviors.

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of attention-seeking, emotional shallowness, and dramatic displays of emotion.

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of perfectionism, orderliness, and control, interfering with task completion and relationships.

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, lack of empathy, and exploitation of others.

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as impulsivity and self-harming behaviors.

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive need to be taken care of, leading to submissiveness, clinginess, and difficulty making decisions.

A disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

A disorder characterized by uncooperative and hostile behavior, often accompanied by other conditions like anxiety, PTSD, or autism.

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors.

A condition characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about separation from attachment figures.

A type of drug used to treat ADHD, which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

A type of drug used to treat ADHD, which works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine.

A type of drug used to treat ADHD, which works by activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain.

A behavior therapy that focuses on changing maladaptive behaviors.

A type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and beliefs.

A communication technique that involves reflecting on the client's feelings to show empathy. Example: "I hear you're feeling overwhelmed."

A therapeutic technique that involves providing space for clients to reflect and share at their own pace. Combine with nonverbal cues like nodding to show support.

A technique used to clarify the client's meaning by asking for more information or explanation. Example: "Can you explain what you mean by that?"

A technique for encouraging clients to expand on their thoughts and feelings by using open-ended questions. Example: "What's on your mind today?"

A technique for summarizing the client's thoughts and feelings to ensure understanding and demonstrate active listening. Example: "So, you're feeling frustrated because... Is that correct?"

A framework for demonstrating active listening and presence during client interactions. It includes: Sit squarely facing the client, maintain an open posture, lean toward the client, make eye contact, and stay relaxed.

A type of care that recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals and incorporates trauma-informed practices into every aspect of service provision.

Common symptoms of trauma that include alertness, withdrawing, and avoiding situations that may remind clients of their experiences.

A professional approach to mental health care where boundaries are clearly established and overinvolvement is avoided. For example, redirecting personal questions to focus on the client's needs.

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for clients by ensuring confidentiality and privacy. It also involves adapting communication styles based on the client's culture and developmental stage.

A structured assessment tool used to evaluate a client's mental state, including appearance, behavior, speech, mood, thoughts, and cognitive abilities. It helps identify mental health concerns.

An in-depth process that considers a client's social, cultural, and psychological context. It uses tools like the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) to understand cultural influences.

A systematic and organized approach to nursing care involving assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. It focuses on identifying and addressing client needs and responses to mental health conditions.

The ability to bounce back from challenges and thrive in the face of adversity. Encouraged by building connections with trusted individuals, practicing self-regulation, and fostering stress management techniques.

Strategies individuals use to cope with stress and challenging situations. Can be adaptive (e.g., journaling, talking to a friend) or maladaptive (e.g., substance abuse).

Working with clients to identify and address any barriers hindering their mental health care access. Challenges could be financial, cultural, or other personal obstacles.

Lithium is a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder. It is the first-line medication for this condition.

Lithium toxicity is a serious side effect that can occur with lithium use. Early signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, increased urination, slurred speech, tremors, and muscle weakness.

When taking lithium, ensure you consume adequate fluids (1.5-3 liters daily) and eat regularly. Avoid NSAIDs and monitor your blood levels regularly.

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications used to manage anxiety disorders and seizures. These drugs work by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, leading to a calming effect.

Buspirone is a type of anti-anxiety medication that doesn't directly affect GABA. It takes 2-4 weeks to work.

Second-generation antipsychotics are medications used to treat psychosis and other mental health conditions. They have improved side effects compared to older antipsychotics and typically have less potential to cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are a group of movement disorders that can occur as a side effect of some medications, especially antipsychotics. These can manifest as involuntary muscle movements, tremors, and rigidity.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health issues including increased blood glucose, high blood pressure, and abdominal obesity, often associated with certain medications like second-generation antipsychotics.

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication known for its effectiveness in treating resistant schizophrenia. Clozapine requires frequent monitoring, including blood draws, due to the potential for serious side effects such as agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count).

First-generation antipsychotics, also known as typical antipsychotics, have a higher risk of EPS (extrapyramidal symptoms) compared to newer antipsychotics.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a serious but rare side effect of some antipsychotics. It is characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction.

Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible movement disorder that can occur as a side effect of long-term use of some antipsychotics. Symptoms include involuntary lip smacking, chewing, and blinking.

Cluster A personality disorders, also known as eccentric or odd personality disorders, are characterized by unusual thoughts and behaviors, including suspicion, social isolation, and difficulty with relationships.

Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, emotional, impulsive, and unpredictable behavior.

Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social situations.