Major Depressive Disorder Treatment Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a disadvantage associated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?

  • They have a faster onset of action.
  • They enhance neuroplasticity.
  • They can cause serotonin syndrome. (correct)
  • They have no side effects.

    • Which of the following accurately describes dual-action antidepressants?

  • They are less effective than older antidepressants.
  • They aim to replicate TCAs' therapeutic effects without specific side effects. (correct)
  • They primarily target serotonin reuptake.
  • They are known for causing significant weight gain.

    • Which medication is approved to treat chronic neuropathic pain in addition to its antidepressant effects?

  • Venlafaxine
  • Selegiline
  • Desvenlafaxine
  • Duloxetine (correct)

    • What is a primary goal for the development of new antidepressants?

    <p>To achieve better efficacy with fewer side effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What refers to the concept of enhancing neuroplasticity in the context of antidepressant treatment?

    <p>Increased BDNF leading to more dendritic branching.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the amygdala play in the stress response associated with Major Depressive Disorder?

    <p>It detects stressors and signals the hypothalamus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a consequence of chronic high levels of cortisol in the brain?

    <p>Negative effects on brain cell plasticity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant downside of tricyclic antidepressants?

    <p>They can cause cardiotoxicity in overdose situations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of antidepressant was originally developed to treat tuberculosis?

    <p>Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the reduced volume of brain structures in depressed individuals have?

    <p>Decreased plasticity and regulation of the HPA axis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    High levels of cortisol positively impact plasticity in the brain.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is known for its fast-acting effects in treating Major Depressive Disorder.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tricyclic antidepressants were originally developed as mood stabilizers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Increased dendritic branching is associated with Major Depressive Disorder.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) can lead to dietary restrictions due to their interaction with tyramine.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cortisol has positive effects on brain cells, promoting mental plasticity.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder but may lead to memory loss.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The neurogenic hypothesis of depression is characterized by increased cell birth and dendritic branching in the brain.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tricyclic antidepressants were originally developed to treat psychotic disorders.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    High levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are associated with Major Depressive Disorder.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Antidepressants can increase the volume of brain structures, thereby enhancing neuroplasticity.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Increased dendritic branching is a common characteristic in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is known for its long-lasting effects on treating Major Depressive Disorder.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cortisol, when present in high levels over time, has beneficial effects on brain cells.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Treatment

    • Symptoms: Sadness, helplessness, worthlessness, impaired sleep, concentration problems, anhedonia (loss of pleasure), physical pain; symptoms must significantly impair daily life.

    Stress Response Circuit (HPA Axis)

    • Mechanism: Amygdala detects stressor, alerts hypothalamus; hypothalamus triggers pituitary to release ACTH; ACTH signals adrenal glands to release cortisol and adrenaline.
    • System: Part of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).

    Depressed Brain: Underlying Issues

    • Chemical Imbalances: High cortisol levels negatively impact brain cells and plasticity; dexamethasone suppression test used for cortisol assessment.
    • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Low levels of BDNF in blood associated with depression.
    • Inflammation: High levels correlated with MDD.

    Depressed Brain: Neurological Changes

    • Structural Differences: Reduced dendritic branching (complexity of connections) in prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and amygdala; reduced hippocampal volume and neurogenesis (cell birth).
    • Impact: Reduced dendritic branching and neurogenesis decreases volume and ability to regulate HPA axis, decreasing plasticity.

    Antidepressant Treatment

    Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

    • Mechanism: Induces seizures through electrical stimulation, forcing brain to "reboot".
    • Advantages: Fast-acting and effective.
    • Disadvantages: Short-lived effects, time-consuming treatment, potential for memory loss.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

    • Mechanism: Block reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
    • Advantages: Effective.
    • Disadvantages: Block other receptors (acetylcholine, histamine, epinephrine), causing side effects like confusion, memory impairment, sedation, and cardiotoxicity.
    • Metabolism: Active metabolites, extending clinical effect up to 4 days (longer in elderly).

    Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

    • Mechanism: Inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity.
    • Advantages: Effective.
    • Disadvantages: Dietary restrictions necessary (avoid tyramine-rich foods, adrenergic drugs). Increased risk of cardiotoxicity and drug interactions.
    • Variations: Selegiline (Emsam) is a transdermal patch.

    Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

    • Mechanism: Inhibit serotonin reuptake, minimal impact on other neurotransmitters (less side effects). No impact on post-synaptic receptors.
    • Advantages: Fewer side effects than older antidepressants.
    • Disadvantages: Potential for "serotonin syndrome" (cognitive disturbances, ANS dysfunction, agitation), sexual dysfunction, SSRI discontinuation syndrome.

    Dual-Action Antidepressants

    • Mechanism: Attempt to target serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake without the side effects of TCAs.
    • Examples: Venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta).
    • Advantages: Potentially broader therapeutic effect.
    • Disadvantages: Potential sexual dysfunction, blood pressure changes

    Monoamine Hypothesis and Newer Antidepressants

    • Mechanism: Monoaminergic antidepressants likely impact BDNF, dendritic branching, oxidative stress, neurogenesis, and allopregnanolone.
    • Future Directions: New antidepressants aim for faster onset, better efficacy, and fewer side effects, such as those targeting NMDA receptors and the anti-inflammatory system.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the treatment aspects of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), focusing on symptoms, the stress response circuit, and underlying neurological changes. Delve into how chemical imbalances and inflammation relate to MDD and learn about the mechanisms involved in the body's stress response. Test your knowledge on the complexities of depression and its impact on mental health.

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