Biological – Antidepressants
Antidepressants work by changing the levels of the monoamines – this is through increasing the amount of serotonin as low levels are said to be the cause of depression. There are 3 main of antidepressants. MAOI’s work by raising levels of serotonin and noradrenaline. Atypical antidepressants target serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) specifically raise serotonin levels and include serotonin. The most widely known SSRI is Prozac. There are different types of each antidepressant and it is important that the dose is monitored by a GP to ensure it is helping relieve the symptoms and to check side effects
Evaluation
Antidepressants can be used alongside CBT – this might boost mood in order for patients to be able to use CBT and want to change their thinking
Kuyken (2008) found CBT was just as effective at treating depression as medication. CBT also had lower relapse rates (47% compared to 60%), was more cost effective and lead to a change in quality of life. CBT also lead to skills for life.
Withdrawal symptoms include crying, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, muscle spasms, aches and pains. It is important the person is gradually withdrawn from taking antidepressants
50% of those who take antidepressants become symptom free, and many relapse even if taking the medication
Antidepressants reduce symptoms but do not tackle the cause
Not all drugs work for all individuals
Drugs do not bring any therapeutic benefit until after a few weeks of taking
Patients may take antidepressants indefinitely due to risk of relapse. This is known as maintenance therapy.
It requires patients to be compliant and take the drugs and follow dosage instructions – not all patients do this
Antidepressants work by changing the levels of the monoamines – this is through increasing the amount of serotonin as low levels are said to be the cause of depression. There are 3 main of antidepressants. MAOI’s work by raising levels of serotonin and noradrenaline. Atypical antidepressants target serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) specifically raise serotonin levels and include serotonin. The most widely known SSRI is Prozac. There are different types of each antidepressant and it is important that the dose is monitored by a GP to ensure it is helping relieve the symptoms and to check side effects
Evaluation
Antidepressants can be used alongside CBT – this might boost mood in order for patients to be able to use CBT and want to change their thinking
Kuyken (2008) found CBT was just as effective at treating depression as medication. CBT also had lower relapse rates (47% compared to 60%), was more cost effective and lead to a change in quality of life. CBT also lead to skills for life.
Withdrawal symptoms include crying, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, muscle spasms, aches and pains. It is important the person is gradually withdrawn from taking antidepressants
50% of those who take antidepressants become symptom free, and many relapse even if taking the medication
Antidepressants reduce symptoms but do not tackle the cause
Not all drugs work for all individuals
Drugs do not bring any therapeutic benefit until after a few weeks of taking
Patients may take antidepressants indefinitely due to risk of relapse. This is known as maintenance therapy.
It requires patients to be compliant and take the drugs and follow dosage instructions – not all patients do this