Questions & Answers: Latest Updated
Psychiatric-Mental Health Comprehensive Depression and Mood Disorders Guide
Section 1: Pharmacological Treatments for Mood Disorders
1. Which medication class for depression works specifically by inhibiting the
reuptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)?
A. SNRIs
B. SDRIs
C. SSRIs
D. TCAs
Answer: C
Rationale: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) act by inhibiting the
reuptake of 5-HT
.
2. Which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with SSRIs? A.
Elevated blood pressure
B. Weight gain
C. Dry mouth
D. Hypotension
Answer: B
,Rationale: Common adverse effects of SSRIs include nausea, agitation, diarrhea,
headache, weight gain, and sexual side effects
.
3. SNRIs are hypothesized to increase energy and focus by inhibiting the reuptake
of which neurotransmitter? A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Acetylcholine
D. Norepinephrine (NE)
Answer: D
Rationale: SNRIs inhibit both 5-HT and NE reuptake; the inhibition of NE reuptake
is associated with increased energy and focus
.
4. Which adverse effect is uniquely associated with SNRIs but not typically with
SSRIs? A. Nausea
B. Sexual dysfunction
C. Elevated blood pressure
D. Insomnia
Answer: C
Rationale: SNRIs can cause elevated blood pressure, which is not listed as a
primary side effect for SSRIs
,.
5. How do SDRIs (NDRIs) improve a patient's alertness and motivation? A. By
inhibiting 5-HT reuptake
B. By inhibiting Dopamine (DA) reuptake
C. By blocking histamine receptors
D. By increasing Acetylcholine levels
Answer: B
Rationale: SDRIs inhibit DA reuptake (improving alertness/motivation) and NE
reuptake (improving energy)
.
6. Which medication class is known for blocking norepinephrine, histamine, and
acetylcholine receptors, leading to significant anticholinergic side effects? A.
MAOIs
B. SSRIs
C. TCAs
D. SNRIs
Answer: C
Rationale: Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) inhibit 5-HT and NE reuptake and block
NE, histamine, and acetylcholine receptors
.
, 7. A patient taking a TCA complains of blurred vision and urinary retention. These
are examples of: A. Serotonergic effects
B. Anticholinergic side effects
C. Hypertensive crisis
D. Adrenergic effects
Answer: B
Rationale: TCAs are associated with dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and
urinary retention due to receptor blockade
.
8. What is the mechanism of action for Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)?
A. They block the reuptake of DA and NE.
B. They increase NE and 5-HT by inhibiting the enzyme that inactivates them.
C. They block D2 receptors.
D. They inhibit centrally active acetylcholinesterase.
Answer: B
Rationale: MAOIs increase NE and 5-HT by inhibiting the enzyme (monoamine
oxidase) that inactivates them
.
9. Which of the following is a life-threatening side effect specifically associated
with MAOIs when consuming tyramine-rich foods? A. Catatonia