9A - Biological treatments
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
8:39 AM
*Video 1 : Four common misconceptions about antidepressants, debunked
Misconception 1: "Antidepressants don’t do anything"
Misconception 2: "All antidepressants do the same thing". If one doesn’t work for you,
none will
Misconception 3: "Antidepressants only affect the brain"
o 95% of serotonin found in the GI tract
Misconception 4: "Antidepressants start working right away"
*Mini-lecture 1 : Antidepressant medications
Antidepressant medications
Antidepressant medications are life-saving for some, allow engagement with therapy for
others, and are a valuable tool in our mental health treatment tool kit
o Approximately 60% of people with major depression are helped by an
antidepressant. 30-50% of those who do not respond to one will benefit
from another medication
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common first-line medication
for depression
o Stops neurotransmitters from attaching to neuron - stops reaction, action
potential, etc.
o Also used to treat anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, PTSD…
Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs)
o Fewer side effects; lower toxicity than older antidepressants
o Optimal response by third or fourth week of treatment - needs to build up in
bloodstream/body to have full effect
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
o First available drug for treating depression
o Effects on blood pressure - can be dangerous; requires special diet
Tricyclics
o Unpleasant side effects. Highly toxic in overdose (risky if suicidal ideation is
an issue)
*Mini-lecture 2 : Do antidepressants "work"? Research issues
Statistical vs. clinical significance
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
8:39 AM
*Video 1 : Four common misconceptions about antidepressants, debunked
Misconception 1: "Antidepressants don’t do anything"
Misconception 2: "All antidepressants do the same thing". If one doesn’t work for you,
none will
Misconception 3: "Antidepressants only affect the brain"
o 95% of serotonin found in the GI tract
Misconception 4: "Antidepressants start working right away"
*Mini-lecture 1 : Antidepressant medications
Antidepressant medications
Antidepressant medications are life-saving for some, allow engagement with therapy for
others, and are a valuable tool in our mental health treatment tool kit
o Approximately 60% of people with major depression are helped by an
antidepressant. 30-50% of those who do not respond to one will benefit
from another medication
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common first-line medication
for depression
o Stops neurotransmitters from attaching to neuron - stops reaction, action
potential, etc.
o Also used to treat anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, PTSD…
Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs)
o Fewer side effects; lower toxicity than older antidepressants
o Optimal response by third or fourth week of treatment - needs to build up in
bloodstream/body to have full effect
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
o First available drug for treating depression
o Effects on blood pressure - can be dangerous; requires special diet
Tricyclics
o Unpleasant side effects. Highly toxic in overdose (risky if suicidal ideation is
an issue)
*Mini-lecture 2 : Do antidepressants "work"? Research issues
Statistical vs. clinical significance
