Depression

Question 0

What are the major drug classes available for depression treatment?

Answer 0

1. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors - inhibit MAOA/MAOB, increase conc. of noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine concentration and passive diffusion into synapse. Example: trancypromine - irreversible MAOA and MAOB inhibitor.
2. Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCAs) - inhibit reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, potentates increase in synaptic concentration. Example: amitriptyline.
3. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - bind with serotonin transports which cause it block reuptake from the synapse. This potentates concentration of serotonin.

Question 1

Three theories of depression?

Answer 1

1. Monoamine theory - hypofunction of noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine systems.
2. Neuroendocrine theory - hyper function of HPA. Increases cortisol in depression.
3. Neuroplasticity theory - neuronal loss in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Due to increase in cortisol in depression.