While it is diagnostically convenient to group Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) together, their variance in the recommended pharmacotherapy belies their diagnostic similarities. It is necessary to know the diagnostic features of a depressive episode to diagnose both disorders, and the treatment goal of MDD and BPAD is restoration to euthymic state. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the different medications used with each disorder to achieve that goal. Additionally, this paper will point out the side effects, signs, and symptoms therapists should be aware of during the treatment processes.
Medications Treating MDD
There is a plethora of antidepressants available to treat MDD. Antidepressants vary in the neurotransmitter influenced and the mechanism that produces the effect. For example, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) elevate serotonin levels, but as their respective names suggest do so via different processes. Selection of one of these medications is the first part of the pharmacotherapy process, and it involves understanding prior attempted treatments, family history, number of present symptoms, costs, and medication safety (Kelsey, Newport, & Nemeroff, 2006, pp. 62-63). Once a client begins an antidepressant regimen, therapists should be aware of the selected cautions and side effects. For example, SSRIs offer fewer side effects than MAOIs and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs); however, the initial serotonin increase produced by these drugs may result in increased anxiety symptoms (Kelsey et al., 2006, p. 134). MAOIs operate by inhibiting MAO enzyme metabolization that necessitates dietary restrictions to avoid toxic levels of...
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...igher rate than manic episodes (pp. 74-91). Obtaining an extensive biopsychosocial history is necessary in properly identifying and subsequently treating the two disorders. Once treatment begins, therapists must be aware of the hazardous side effects of medications to assist their clients and physicians in treatment of either disorder. It is this author’s hope that the information presented not only helps distinguish the pharmacotherapy of both MDD and BPAD, but also provided cautions to other mental health professionals for side effect monitoring.
Works Cited
Kelsey, J.E., Newport, D. J., & Nemeroff, C.B. (2006). Principles of psychopharmacology for mental health professionals. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Lambert, Kelly & Kinsley, Craig H. (2005). Clinical neuroscience: The neurobiological foundations of mental health. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Geddes, J. R., & Miklowitz, D. J. (2013). Treatment of Bipolar Disorder. The Lancet, 381(9878), 1672-1682. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60857-0
Since the discovery of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants in the 1950s and its affect on depressives, Schildkraut first proposed the Monoamine Theory. The theory states that depression is caused by an imbalance of monoamine transmitters (neurotransmitters) in certain areas of the brain, such as noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine (Schildkraut, 1965). This led to the introduction of antidepressant medication in the treatment of depression, known as pharmacotherapy. However, ongoing research suggests that the theory is “inadequate, as it does not provide a complete explanation for the actions of antidepressants, and the pathophysiology of depression itself remains unknown.”(Hirschfeld, 2000) A few of the main reasons for this inadequacy are because it is difficult to measure the level of neurotransmitters in an individual’s brain (P. L. Delgado, 2000) and that evidence is indirect on whether monoamine function is impaired in individuals with depression as the causes of depression appear to be more complex than simply a reduction in levels of monoamine or diminished function in these systems. (P. Delgado & Moreno, 1999)
Antidepressant are a form of pharmacotherapy treatment developed to treat the symptoms of major depression. Antidepressants are used for many other types of conditions including anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, dysthymia, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and substance abuse, pain syndromes, gastrointestional disorders. Antidepressants usually require several weeks to notice significant effects. There are no antidepressants or any medication that is completely free of adverse effects. This article explains that the adverse effects of antidepressant can decrease compliance and slow down the rate of recovery. It is important for one to take note of potential side-effects before choosing the best antidepressant to suit their personalized needs. Statistics show that about 28 percent of patients sto...
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mood disorder characterized by periods of mania, depression, or a mixed manic-depressive state. The condition can seriously affect a person’s reasoning, understanding, awareness, and behavior. Acco...
Kirsch, I., Deacon, B., Huedo-Medina, T., Scoboria, A., Moore, T., & Johnson, B. (2008). Initial severity and antidepressant benefits: A meta-analysis of data submitted to the Food and Drug Administration. PloS Med , 5 (2).
Antidepressants are FDA approved drugs given to patients to alleviate symptoms, most commonly anxiety and depression. There are many people who are skeptical about the use of these drugs and if they really work as a benefit toward the people taking them. There are many pros to taking the medications, but there are also cons. This is why users of these drugs have to be aware of the side effects in order to get the full use of the medicine. Research shows that the benefits of antidepressants outweigh the negative long term effects, but only if they are taken in moderation.
The severe mood fluctuations of bipolar or manic-depressive disorders have been around since the 16-century and affect little more than 2% of the population in both sexes, all races, and all parts of the world (Harmon 3). Researchers think that the cause is genetic, but it is still unknown. The one fact of which we are painfully aware of is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success. Because the symptoms of bipolar disorder are so debilitation, it is crucial that we search for possible treatments and cures.
Part One: Overview of depression, the serotonin system, and explanation of SSRI medications and alternatives.
...erence in treatment is that bipolar depression cannot be cured, therefore it is complicated for the individual to become compliant with their medications even though they may not have had an episode in a while. Some of the medications used for bipolar disorder may include lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. Some of these medications may have undesirable side effects causing the individual to stop the medication. Major depression treatments may include antidepressants and even psychosocial treatments. Some individuals may not want to take either bipolar medications or antidepressants do with the stigma that’s associated with these drugs. Having a mental illness can be upsetting and embarrassing do to our society. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is a hereditary disorder.
Bipolar Disorder can be classified by the occurrence of manic episodes followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, extensive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and present most of the day, nearly every day. During the specific period of mood disturbance and increased energy or activity, many symptoms are present. Some examples of these symptoms can include: -Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and are more talkative than usual (“Bipolar and Related Disorders, “n.d.). There is a 10- 15% risk of completed suicide associated with Bipolar Disorder (“Bipolar Depression”, 2)
In today’s society there are many different psychological disorders that people face on a daily basis. Often times the individuals know they even have the disorder until someone else recognizes it. One particular disorder is the Bipolar disorder. It has many different classifications and definitions, symptoms, and treatments. It is very inportant to notice this disorder in its beginning stages so it can be controlled.
According to Jann (2014), bipolar disorder can be treated and people with this illness may perform full and productive in their lives. However the treatment of bipolar disorder is most effective when medication is combined with psychotherapy, and ECT as a last source Jann (2014). Pharmacologic treatments for this disorder include Lithium, as a first source which is a mood stabilizer; other mood stabilizers such as lamotrigine and valproate are effective as well (Jann, 2014). According to Jann (2014), the use of antidepressants and anticonvulsants for treating bipolar disorder are controversial due to the increased risk of the patient switching to mania. The prognosis of this illness will be severe and long term, or may be mild with infrequent episodes Jann (2014). The highest risk factor for developing bipolar disorder is hereditary. The statistic is that high-income families have a higher rate 1.4% than low-income families with only 0.7% (DSM-...
Hopkins, H.S. and Gelenberg, A.J. (1994). Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: How Far Have We Come? Psychopharmacology Bulletin. 30 (1): 27-38.
Depression has been considered to be the major psychiatric disease of the 20th century, affecting approximately eight million people in North America. Adults with psychiatric illness are 20 times more likely to die from accidents or suicide than adults without psychiatric disorder.[1] Major depression, including bipolar affective disorder, often appears for the first time during the teenage years, and early recognition of these conditions will have profound effects on later morbidity and mortality.
Introduction: For my research project I would like to explore the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs. Antidepressant drugs are used are used to treat major depression and other conditions, some of which include anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain and other disorders. Around the world antidepressants are used to cure these types of mental illnesses. It is argued by both medical professionals and other people whether or not they believe that antidepressants work. According to Mayo Clinic one in ten Americans take an antidepressant. Today, antidepressants have became the most common way around the world to treat major depression