AO1

• drug therapy

  aims to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to increase or decrease their activity
• what drugs are used - main

  SSRI
• SSRIs are...

  antidepressants
• SSRIs stand for

  selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• how SSRIs work

  • serotonin is released by the presynaptic neuron and travels across the synapse
  • the neurotransmitter chemically conveys a signal from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron and is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron where it is broken down and reused
  • by preventing the reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin, SSRIs increase its level within the synapse and continue to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron
• dosages

  vary between each patient
• Fluoxetine dosage and usage

  20mg and 3-4 moths of daily use to have an impact
• Combining SSRIs with other treatment

  CBT

  drugs reduce emotional symptoms so that patients can engage more effectively in therapy
• Alternatives to SSRIs

  dosage can be increased or combined with other drugs as some patients respond differently to other drugs
• examples of alternatives to SSRIs

  tricyclics - more severe side effects so kept in reserve

  SNRIs - increase levels of serotonin as well as noradrenaline