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Understanding Depression and Antidepressant Medications Quiz

#1

What is a common symptom of depression?

Persistent sadness
Explanation

Persistent sadness is a hallmark symptom of depression, characterized by enduring feelings of unhappiness and despair.

#2

Which neurotransmitter is often associated with depression?

Serotonin
Explanation

Serotonin imbalance is commonly linked with depression, influencing mood regulation and emotional well-being.

#3

What class of antidepressant medications is known to have potential side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation?

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Explanation

TCAs, while effective, may cause adverse effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation due to their pharmacological actions.

#4

What is the recommended duration for antidepressant medication treatment?

At least 1 year
Explanation

Antidepressant medication treatment typically spans at least 1 year to effectively manage depression and prevent relapses.

#5

What is the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating depression?

To identify and change negative thought patterns
Explanation

CBT aims to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression, fostering healthier cognitive processes.

#6

Which of the following statements about postpartum depression is true?

It can negatively impact the mother-infant bond
Explanation

Postpartum depression can strain the mother-infant bond due to maternal emotional distress, potentially affecting infant care and bonding.

#7

Which neurotransmitter is targeted by SSRIs to alleviate depressive symptoms?

Serotonin
Explanation

SSRIs primarily target serotonin reuptake, enhancing serotonin levels in the brain to alleviate depressive symptoms.

#8

Which of the following is NOT a potential side effect of antidepressant medications?

Memory improvement
Explanation

Memory improvement is not a recognized side effect of antidepressant medications; instead, they may impact memory and cognition negatively in some cases.

#9

What is a potential consequence of abruptly discontinuing antidepressant medication?

Increased risk of relapse
Explanation

Abruptly discontinuing antidepressant medication can heighten the risk of relapse, triggering a resurgence of depressive symptoms.

#10

Which demographic group is at the highest risk for suicide associated with depression?

Elderly individuals
Explanation

Elderly individuals face an elevated risk of suicide associated with depression due to factors like physical health decline and social isolation.

#11

What is the primary mechanism of action for tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Blocking norepinephrine reuptake
Explanation

TCAs primarily work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, increasing its availability in the brain and aiding in mood regulation.

#12

What is the primary purpose of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating severe depression?

Inducing seizures to reset brain activity
Explanation

ECT is utilized to induce controlled seizures, believed to reset abnormal brain activity associated with severe depression, leading to symptom improvement.

#13

Which of the following brain regions is commonly implicated in depression?

Amygdala
Explanation

The amygdala, involved in processing emotions and stress responses, is often implicated in depression due to its role in regulating mood and emotional processing.

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