ANTIDEPRESSANTS

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Depression
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. It is characterized by feelings of intense sadness, helplessness, worthlessness, and impaired functioning.
Physical and psychological symptoms: appetite disturbances, sleep disturbances, and loss of interest in job, family, and other activities usually enjoyed.
Classification of depression
1. Reactive depression (exogenous)
2. Major depression (endogenous)
3. Bipolar effective depression
Reactive Depression
• Adverse life events.
• Physical illness.
• Hormonal steroids.
• Drugs.
• Other psychiatric disorders.
• More than 60% of all depressions.
• Core depressive syndrome: feelings of misery, apathy, inadequacy, pessimism, anxiety, tension, guilt.
• Bodily complaints
• May respond spontaneously or to a variety of administrations.

Major Endogenous Depression
• Recurrent, Cyclic, Seasonal.
• Degree of depression is not adequate for precipitating event.
• Automaton (unresponsive).

Core Symptoms:
• Feeling of misery, apathy and pessimism.
• Withdrawn, low self –esteem, feelings of guilt, inadequacy and ugliness.
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
• Indecisiveness, loss of motivation.