Depression

Question 1

What does medicine give u

Answer 1

Depression lol

Question 2

Define depression

Answer 2

Common mental health condition characterised by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

Question 3

Risk factors for depression

Answer 3

• Family history of depression or other mental disorders
• Personal history of other mental disorders
• Chronic stress
• Chronic pain
• Thyroid disorders
• Substance abuse
• Loneliness

Question 4

Signs/symptoms of depression

Answer 4

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, guilt
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Difficulty/excessive sleeping
• Changes in appetite/weight (up or down)
• Chronic fatigue/lack of energy
• Difficulty making decisions and concentrating
• Loneliness/Withdrawal

Question 5

Physical manifestations of depression

Answer 5

• Weight gain/loss
• Fatigue/low energy levels
• Headaches/digestive problems
• Reduced libido/sexual dysfunction
• Weakened immune system
• Menstrual changes
• Chronic pain/discomfort without known cause

Question 6

Screening tools for depression

Answer 6

PHQ-9 Questionnaire
Beck depression inventory
HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale)

Question 7

Treatment of depression

Answer 7

Mild
- Wait and see (2 week follow up)
- Exercise
- Self help

Mild/Moderate
- CBT/IAPT services
- Social prescribing

Moderate/severe
- Pharmacological treatment

Question 8

How can a depression patient self help (6)

Answer 8

• Support groups
• Volunteering/ pursuit of interests
• Exercise
• Good sleep
• Avoid Alcohol/drugs/triggers
• Meditation

Question 9

Pharmacological treatments of depression

Answer 9

• Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline
• Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) - Venlafaxine, duloxetine
• Tricyclic antidepressant - amitriptyline
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Selegiline

Question 10

MoA of SSRI

Answer 10

Inhibit neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) from synaptic cleft, increasing its availability for neurotransmission

Question 11

Side effects of SSRIs

Answer 11

• GI disturbance (+PPI if ulcers)
• Sleep/weight disturbance
• Suicidal thoughts and anxiety increased for a week or 2 post initiation

Question 12

Contraindication of SSRIs

Answer 12

CI with another MAOI, can cause serotonin syndrome due to excess serotonin

Question 13

Side effects of TCA

Answer 13

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Blurred vision
• Hypotension
• Long QT

Question 14

Side effects of SNRI

Answer 14

• Raised BP
• Increased anxiety
• GI upset