Antidepressants Literature Review

Two recent Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews were ranked Level A - Excellent attributable to the large number of trials (29-115 RCTs) that has been searched through computerised databases, checking bibliographies of relevant articles and to the extent of contacting researchers. This concludes as having the lowest risk of bias possible (Linde et al., 2008; Purgato et al., 2014). Both reviews concluded that standard anti-depressants are superior to HP however, HP was superior to placebo and HP resulted in the best tolerability in all

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders, with a 12-month prevalence of 6.7% of adults in the United States (NIMH). There is no definite etiology of depression, but several risk factors have been identified. Functional and structural changes in the brain have also been explored. The most common treatment for depression is the use of drugs that act on monoamine transmitters, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Decreases in these transmitters, especially serotonin, were hypothesized to play an important role in the cause of depression (Breedlove & Watson, 2013). The serotonin hypothesis led to the development of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Further research suggests that the serotonin hypothesis is not entirely accurate and the neurobiology of depression is much more complex. The “chemical imbalance” explanation of depression may not reflect the full range of causes and may be given greater credibility by patients and doctors than is supported by evidence based research.

Americans should be more aware of the false validity of the Chemical Imbalance Myth in our society today because of the immense usage of Antidepressants and the negative consequences they have on our physical and emotional health. The writers goal in writing this paper is not to say that mental illnesses are not real, rather, to point out some of the myths and traditions that are related to depression. We as a people tend to confuse normal emotions with clinical depression, in which they are prescribed antidepressants to make them feel better. The myth focused on in this paper is the “Chemical Imbalance” theory, which has been adopted by our society for years. The number of people in America that are currently on antidepressant medications is alarming and this issue must be addressed. A mistake that many well-meaning American’s make is taking pills when those pills are not necessary. These pills are rather damaging to an individual’s physical, emotional, and family health. When individuals take responsibility for their emotions and meet their core needs as a human, the normal emotion of sadness can be resolved.

Thus far, I have learned about the pros and cons to using medication in treatment with clients. In addition, I have seen first hand the benefits of implementing medications in client’s treatment plan. From my understanding, Depression is one of the most prevalent illnesses in the world. Because of this fact it is important that we understand and explore all the implications surrounding the use and efficacy for treatment. In order to treat our clients with the best care possible, we as therapist should be educated on the types of medications for depression, the impact they have on the body, and their efficacy of improving symptoms and overall functioning. In this paper I will explore three articles about antidepressants and their efficacy for treating clients with depression. In addition, I will provide my overall reaction to the studies and the material provided for the efficacy of antidepressants for treating depression.

Although this is a fake way to treat depression, it does actually help the disorder depending on the person. Still, this effect is a huge hole in the credibility of antidepressants. On the bright side, there are some people who have had good cases involving only antidepressants. In other words, “Make no mistake: For many people, antidepressants do work. In fact, they can be life-saving.” (Web MD) Mainly stating that for some users antidepressants are all they need. Still it all comes down to the user or person, and what works the best on them personally. With it’s many flaws the other argument does make it’s vital points on the subject.

There are still several options for treatment that you must choose from, as well as having to deal with side effects that accompany each treatment. Of all the treatments, antidepressants tend to have the most side effects. Some of the side effects common to all three types of antidepressants are: anxiety, vomiting, confusion, chest pain, blurred vision, irritability, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, headache, and nervousness (Cheung et al. 2003, Vanderkooy et al. 2002). Some other, more severe, side effects are difficulty urinating, decreased appetite, heart complications, and suicide (Simon and Stern 2003 - Review). It is the last side effect, suicide, which has recently caused some controversy within the medical field. With recent research showing a correlation between antidepressants and suicide, as well as the FDA ordering warning labels for suicide on antidepressant medication, physicians have to be careful prescribing the drugs, especially to children and adolescents.

Medical research, conducted in Great Britain and the United States, has revealed that patients of all ages taking antidepressant drugs can become addicted to the pills. They are also put at an extreme risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior (“Antidepressant Drugs”

Most people benefit from taking antidepressants to some degree, but research suggests that antidepressants may not be as effective as previously thought in cases of mild depression.

In 2005 the Center of Disease Control and Prevention 's (CDC’s) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) tracked Americans using antidepressants for three years. The study concluded in 2008 that more than 1 in 10 Americans ages 12 and older have used an antidepressant drug. This study comes in the wake of a heated debate in the media about the effectiveness of antidepressants treating depression. Last year, antidepressants were the second most commonly prescribed medication, right behind drugs directed to lower cholesterol. With so many people in the United States relying on these drugs, it is easy to question if they are just expensive, overused placebos.

Some of the most common antidepressants include Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil, Remeron and Effexor, these come capsules or tablets, studies show that the effects of these drugs can include: Nervousness and anxiety, Insomnia, Irritability, Violent thoughts and actions, Agitation, Hostility, Suicidal thoughts or suicide, Tremors, Irregular heartbeat, Aggression, Confusion and incoherent thoughts, Paranoia, Hallucinations, Psychosis,

to both emotional and physical problems. The antidepressant pills are meant to help the brain

Robert Whitaker states that medications that doctors prescribe to patients make cases even worse than what they are to begin with(Levine). Cases can get worse if the medication is not precise. That is why it is suggested to follow up with your doctor after starting a drug they have prescribed. It is essential to tell a doctor every visit how you truly feel and how you are doing, because if you feel worse the doctors will change the prescription to fit your needs. Doctors will prescribe medicine that is FDA approved to increase serotonin levels. Tri-cycle antidepressant is not recommended by doctors to the patients that is highly suicidal. Since, they are easy to overdose on. Some side effects of the drugs they may prescribed is drowsiness,

The pertinent findings will be explained, and their implications on future anti-depressants will be addressed.

Now that you know what depression is and what can cause depression I will tell you what the symptoms are of depression.

The first step to treating many of these new cases of depression is the prescription and use of antidepressant medication, however this has cause a mass flooding of our society with unnecessary prescription drugs. Due to the ease of treatment, primarily with prescription drugs, and the large range of severity in depression is often over diagnosed, adding to the problem.