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antidepressant (thing)
See all of antidepressant
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thing
)
by
duffski
Wed Nov 07 2001 at 7:38:54
Antidepressants are drugs used to treat
depression
, the most common psychiatric
illness
. According to the DSMV-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorder
s, fourth edition) at least five of the following
symptom
s must be present for two weeks or more, and represent a change from previous function. At least one of the symptoms must be depressed
mood
or loss of interest or pleasure.
depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, in
adolescent
s and children this can be irritable mood
loss of interest or
pleasure
in nearly all activities
significant
weight loss
or gain without dieting
insomnia or hypersomnia
psychomotor agitation
or
retardation
fatigue or loss of energy
feelings of
worthlessness
or excessive guilt
diminished ability to think or
concentrate
, or indecisiveness, or maybe not. I can't make up my mind.
recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation, a suicide attempt, or a suicide plan
Major depression should not be diagnosed during
bereavement
, unless the symptoms last longer than two months. The symptoms should also not be induced by drugs, alcohol, or a general
medical condition
such as hypothyroidism, which can cause symptoms similar to depression.
The cause of depression is not yet known although some individuals seem predisposed to it. As far as treatment with drugs, there are three major classes used : selective
serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (
SSRI
s), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (
MAOI
s), and tricyclic antidepressants (
TCA
s).
TCAs are usually the first drug used to treat major depression, and have also been effective in treating
bipolar disorder
, insomnia,
ADHD
, and panic disorder. Side effects can include, but are not limited to, orthostatic hypotension (low
blood pressure
upon standing), sedation , sweating, and yawngasm.
Yawngasm
, a spontaneous orgasm while yawning, is rare side effect of the antidepressant clomipramine. It can be considered a negative or positive effect (depending on time, location, and/or present company).
SSRIs cause a selective block of serotonin reuptake. These drugs produce almost the same effects as TCAs with less crucial side effects -- usually nausea, insomnia, and
anorgasmia
(oh, horrors!). This is the antidepressant the general public is most familiar with, as it includes the drug
Prozac
.
MAOIs are reserved for
patients
who have not responded well to TCAs and SSRIs. This is because MAOIs have more dangerous side effects; such as, hypertensive crisis (if the patient has a diet rich in tyramine), hypotension (in the absence of a tyramine rich diet), anxiety, and increased agitation. Some tyramine rich foods are figs,
avocados
,
smoked or aged meats
, almost
all cheese
s, and most imported
beer
s (to some people, it is food).
Antidepressants, especially when coupled with
psychotherapy
, can greatly improve the quality of life for those suffering from depression. It is important for anyone taking antidepressants to note that it takes at least two to three weeks for the drugs to take effect, and that SSRIs should never be taken with MAOIs. Depression is not only the most prevalent psychiatric disorder, it is also the most treatable. Aggressive therapy can make a huge difference in the lives of those suffering. If you meet the criteria for major depressive disorder, please make an appointment to
see your doctor
as soon as possible.
Saint John's wort
Prozac
SSRI
MAO Inhibitor
Zoloft
tricyclic anti-depressants
Prozac moment
Paxil
tricyclic
Therapy
Remeron
Attention deficit disorder
depression
Citalopram
Celexa
i had a dream about the future
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Effexor
I don't even have the energy to kill myself
Elavil
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Poems in Depression