Depression

Question 1

describe depression

Answer 1

mild or severe
could be triggered - bereavement/post-partum/ life changing events

Question 2

what is DSM-IV?

Answer 2

criteria to diagnose major depressive dissorder (MDD)

Question 3

what is within the DSM-IV criteria?

Answer 3

1. depression mood/irritable (mostly all day/nearly every day)
2. decreased interest/pleasure (in most activities/most of each day)
3. significant weight changes (5% more or less)
4. changes in sleep
5. change in activity
6. fatigue/ loss of energy
7. guilt/ worthlessness
8. concentration
9. suicidality

Question 4

what psychosocial interventions can be made for depression?

Answer 4

CBT
Counselling
Mindfulness
Self-help
Exercise
Mental health apps

Question 5

how do you stop antidepressants?

Answer 5

gradually

Question 6

what are the general side effects of antidepressants?

Answer 6

SSRIs: Well tolerated and safer in overdose (↓Na)
Tricyclics: Toxicity in overdose, cardiovascular effects
Others: NARIs, NASSAs, SNRIs, Melatonin receptor agonists
MAOIs: Drug interactions! Specialists only
(St Johns Wort)
(Lithium toxicity – bipolar, resistant depression, augmentation)