SSRI’s and SNRI’s Efficacy Rates in Treating MDD Amongst Different Age Groups Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S and is considered among the most burdensome diseases in the world. Major Depressive Disorders affects many different age groups ranging from children to the elderly population. A principal symptom of depression is anhedonia, which consists of a lack of interest or pleasure in usual daily activities that would typically be enjoyable. Many depressed individuals exhibit a diminished tendency to experience positive emotions, even in the presence of normally constructive stimuli. (Khazanov & Ruscio, 2016) According to Garland, Kutcher, Virani, & Elbe (2016) the question
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The exact function of SSRIs is still unknown. SSRIs are alleged to increase the extracellular level of the neurotransmitter serotonin by limiting its reabsorption into the presynaptic cell, as they increase the level of serotonin in the synaptic cleft available to bind to the postsynaptic receptor. This effect increases the levels of serotonin in the synapses. (Pinel, 2014) Most commonly prescribed SSRIs include: Paroxetine (Paxil), Setraline (Zoloft), Escitaloproam (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Citaloproam (Celexa). (Shah, & Jadhav, …show more content…
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors can cause physical side effects such as: dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea, insomnia and also cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Another well-known risk is that SSRI’s and SNRI’s and other types of Antidepressant increase thoughts of Suicide. However, the significance of the findings on suicidal thinking is still vague and uncertain. The lifetime suicide rate of people with major depression is 15%, and depression can also be lethal in other ways. (Harvard Mental Health Letter, 2005)
The Elderly According to an article published by Harvard Mental Health Center (2005) SSRIs are safer than tricyclic antidepressants for the elderly because they do not agitate heart rhythms and hardly ever cause dizziness that can potentially cause them to fall. Liver function is less efficient in older people; there may be a greater risk of drug interactions with cytochrome P450 system. As a result, older people benefit mostly with rapidly metabolized drugs such as Sertraline (Zoloft).
The exact function of SSRIs is still unknown. SSRIs are alleged to increase the extracellular level of the neurotransmitter serotonin by limiting its reabsorption into the presynaptic cell, as they increase the level of serotonin in the synaptic cleft available to bind to the postsynaptic receptor. This effect increases the levels of serotonin in the synapses. (Pinel, 2014) Most commonly prescribed SSRIs include: Paroxetine (Paxil), Setraline (Zoloft), Escitaloproam (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Citaloproam (Celexa). (Shah, & Jadhav, …show more content…
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors can cause physical side effects such as: dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea, insomnia and also cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Another well-known risk is that SSRI’s and SNRI’s and other types of Antidepressant increase thoughts of Suicide. However, the significance of the findings on suicidal thinking is still vague and uncertain. The lifetime suicide rate of people with major depression is 15%, and depression can also be lethal in other ways. (Harvard Mental Health Letter, 2005)
The Elderly According to an article published by Harvard Mental Health Center (2005) SSRIs are safer than tricyclic antidepressants for the elderly because they do not agitate heart rhythms and hardly ever cause dizziness that can potentially cause them to fall. Liver function is less efficient in older people; there may be a greater risk of drug interactions with cytochrome P450 system. As a result, older people benefit mostly with rapidly metabolized drugs such as Sertraline (Zoloft).