SSRIs
Selective serotonin receptor reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the best drugs for treating depression. The drugs act by inhibiting presynaptic and synaptic serotonin uptake. This causes a temporary rise in the serotonin levels at brain receptor sites (Lewis, 2021). This can help to improve your mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. SSRIs, the most popular antidepressant family, are safe and easily tolerated.
The brain’s nerve cells are unable to reabsorb (retake) serotonin or norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are increased in brains, possibly affecting mood, anxiety and pain. The majority of SNRIs can be tolerated, with the exception of a higher risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in people who have had similar tendencies (Lewis, 2021). Other drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, Beta-blockers, and Calcium channel blockers, may interact with SNRIs.
TCAs
The brain’s levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and tricyclic antidepressants are increased by tricyclic antidepressants. These molecules are known to affect mood, hence alleviating the symptoms of depression (Kearney & Trull., 2016). While tricyclic antidepressants tend to be well tolerated, some may experience sleepiness or dizziness. The best treatment for depression is tricyclic antidepressants.
MAOIs
MAOIs prevent the breakdown of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine by inhibiting the monoamine oxidase enzyme (Kearney & Trull., 2016). These neurotransmitters can remain in the brain for longer, which enhances mood and affect. MAOIs should be only used after all other medication, including serotonin inhibitions, has failed. MAOIs can cause nausea and insomnia as well as diarrhea. They are not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers because they can be teratogenic.
Antidepressants that are not typical
Atypical antidepressants, a type of antidepressant that is not commonly prescribed for people with depression, are an older form. Also known as second-generation antidepressants (Kearney & Trull., 2016). Agomelatine acts as an antagonist at the melatonin receptors. Bupropion is responsible for inhibiting the absorption dopamine, norepinephrine and dopamine.
Therapy for Recollections
One type of therapy that uses memories to improve mental health is called reminiscence. The treatment of a wide range of disorders, including anxiety and depression, can be done with reminiscence therapy (Lewis, 2021). The individual can recall happy experiences of the past to improve their general wellbeing.
Bipolar Disorder Management with Lithium
It is used to stabilize mood and prevent manic episodes from returning. It is still considered the “gold standard” for the treatment of bipolar illness (Kearney & Trull., 2016). It may not be effective for everyone, so alternatives like carbamazepine could be tried.