Lecture Notes: Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Introduction

• Overview of the global impact of depression and bipolar disorder.
• Importance of understanding these conditions for effective care.

Depression

Characteristics

• Persistent feelings of deep despair and hopelessness.
• Symptoms:
  • Lack of energy
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Linked to reduced levels of neurotransmitters:
  • Serotonin
  • Norepinephrine
  • Dopamine

Subtypes of Depression

1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

   • Occurs in specific seasons (e.g., winter).
   • Associated with shorter daylight hours.

2. Postpartum Depression

   • Affects new mothers.
   • Includes severe mood swings and exhaustion.
   • Symptoms:
     • Sadness, anxiety, hopelessness
     • Trouble bonding with the baby
     • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
     • Overwhelming fatigue

3. Dysthymia

   • Persistent low mood, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem.
   • Less severe than major depression but more enduring (lasting at least 2 years).
   • Affects daily functioning; requires long-term treatment.

Treatments for Depression

• Medications:
  • Prevent reabsorption or breakdown of neurotransmitters, keeping them active longer.

Types of Antidepressants

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

   • Increase serotonin in the brain, improving mood.
   • Examples:
     • Citalopram (Celexa)
     • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
     • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
     • Paroxetine (Paxil)
     • Sertraline (Zoloft)

2. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

   • Block reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
   • Address a wider range of symptoms for depression and anxiety.
   • Examples:
     • Venlafaxine (Effexor)
     • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

3. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

   • Older class of medications.
   • Example: Amitriptyline (Elavil)

4. Other Antidepressants

   • Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL)
   • Trazodone (Desyrel)

Bipolar Disorder

Characteristics

• Involves severe emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression).
• Caused by neurotransmitter imbalances: deficiency in serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine; excess of norepinephrine.

Treatment

• Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers
  • Medications containing lithium ions to regulate neurotransmitter levels.
  • Lithium helps stabilize neurochemical processes, managing manic and depressive episodes.

Conclusion

• Depression involves ongoing deep sadness and hopelessness.
• Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme emotional highs and lows.
• Various antidepressants and mood stabilizers like SSRIs, SNRIs, and lithium are crucial for treatment.