Anti-depressants

• Biological way of treatment

  • We should increase levels of serotonin
  • Done by using anti-depressants called SSRI's
  • They block the reuptake channel on the pre-synaptic neuron so serotonin is forced to remain in the synaptic cleft
• Side effects of SSRI's

  • Nausea
  • Weight changes
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
• Evaluation of using anti-depressants (1)

  • Weakness
  • Patients could experience side effects such as nausea
  • People often stop taking the SSRI's due to this
  • Patient is likely to not be helped
• Evaluation of using anti-depressants (2)

  • Weakness
  • Can take a long time for SSRI's to start working
  • Could take up to 3 months
  • Patients could stop taking them, which worsens their depression
• Evaluation of using anti-depressants (3)

  • Weakness
  • Treatment is reductionist (only focuses on one cause)
  • Ignores psychological causes of depression