Antidepressant Medication

• What is the main purpose of antidepressant medication?

  To treat depression by increasing serotonin levels
• How do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work?

  They selectively target serotonin at the synapse
• What is the effect of SSRIs on serotonin reuptake?

  SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin molecules
• Where is serotonin stored in the neuron?

  In sacs called vesicles at the presynaptic neuron
• What triggers the release of serotonin from vesicles?

  An electrical signal traveling through the neuron
• What happens to serotonin after it locks into postsynaptic receptors?

  It chemically transmits the signal from the presynaptic neuron
• What is the normal process of serotonin reuptake?

  Serotonin is taken back into the presynaptic neuron
• How do SSRIs affect serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft?

  They increase the amount of serotonin in the cleft
• What is a significant weakness of SSRIs?

  They have serious side effects
• What are some common side effects of SSRIs?

  Nausea, insomnia, dizziness, weight changes
• How can side effects impact the use of SSRIs?

  They may cause people to stop taking the drugs
• What does research by Asbert suggest about serotonin levels in depressed individuals?

  They may not differ from the normal population
• What implication does Asbert's research have on the effectiveness of antidepressants?

  It suggests effectiveness may be a placebo effect
• What is a reductionist approach in the context of antidepressant medication?

  It focuses on one factor, like serotonin
• What might a more successful treatment for depression include?

  A combination of biological and psychological approaches
• What are the key components of SSRIs and their function?

  • Target serotonin at the synapse
  • Inhibit reuptake of serotonin
  • Increase serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft
• What are the weaknesses of antidepressant medication?

  • Serious side effects (nausea, insomnia, etc.)
  • Questionable evidence for effectiveness
  • Reductionist approach focusing on serotonin only