Biological interventions for depression

Biological interventions for depression A person suffering from depression may be prescribed medication to take. New antidepressant medication has fewer unwanted effects and is safer than older ones. Antidepressants are not addictive. They can be prescribed by a GP. There are two main categories. (1) SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SSRIS) Low levels of a certain chemical in the brain called serotonin cause depression. These types of drugs increase the amount of it in the brain.

The most common side effects of these drugs are nausea and headaches,
although they may also cause restlessness, irritability, anxiety and some
difficulty in getting off to sleep. These side effects are generally mild and
usually only occur in the first few days of taking the medication. When
coming off these tablets, it is important not to stop them suddenly, but to
tail off the dose gradually with the advice of a doctor.
(2) TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS
These types of drugs interfere with two brain chemicals: serotonin and
noradrenaline.

These drugs are more sedative than the SSRIs, and can cause more troublesome
side effects, such as a dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, constipation
and difficulty passingwater,which can rule out their use in the elderly.
However, they are effective antidepressants and suit some people well. If
taken as an overdose these drugs can cause heart irregularities.
Most people with an episode of depression respond to the first drug
they try. For all antidepressants it takes about 3 to 4 weeks before any
change in mood is apparent. The improvement in mood is gradual, and a
person may still have ‘bad days’ even though they are significantly better.
It is important that the drug is tried for at least one month, and is taken regularly
as prescribed.
Some depressed people require higher doses of the drug than is first
prescribed. The doctor will gradually increase the dose, which usually results in the expected improvement in mood. If this does not happen, or if
side effects are intolerable, the doctor will probably prescribe from a different
group of antidepressants. Also, the doctor might do a blood test to
check whether the drug is at the correct levels in the bloodstream for it to
work effectively.
If a depressed person is experiencing delusions or hallucinations, the
doctor may prescribe some antipsychotic medication such as chlorpromazine
(Largactil), haloperidol (Serenace), olanzapine (Zyprexa) or
risperidone (Risperdal). One of these drugs may also be used in a low dose
if the person is experiencing anxiety or irritability.
Circumstances such as profoundly low mood and failure to eat or drink
are life threatening. Overwhelming suicidal thoughts may mean a person
needs 24-hour nursing care and more intensive treatment. Admission to a
specialized mental health unit may be needed to provide appropriate
assessment and treatment.