Question 1

You are working with a patient with OCD. Which of the following medications is not considered an anti-obsessive?

Accepted Answer

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is not considered an anti-obsessive medication. It is primarily used as an antidepressant and for smoking cessation, unlike Prozac, Anafranil, and Luvox, which are used to treat OCD.

Question 2

As a rule, all antidepressants take about ____ to begin working.

Accepted Answer

Antidepressants typically take about 1-3 weeks to begin showing effects, with some taking even longer to achieve their full effect. This delay is due to the time required for the brain to adjust to the changes in neurotransmitter levels caused by the medication.

Question 3

You are working with a patient who has responded well to antidepressants in the past, and has had only a moderate response to SSRIs. Aside from increasing the dose, you might also suggest:

Accepted Answer

Lithium augmentation is a well-established strategy for enhancing the effects of antidepressants in patients who have had a partial response.

Question 4

Which of the following are not typically used for depressed/pain management patients?

Accepted Answer

Trintellex is not typically used for depressed/pain management patients.

Question 5

You are treating another patient with depression, but after taking a thorough history, you learn that she has had an eating disorder and a seizure disorder in the past. Which medication would not be a good choice?

Accepted Answer

Welbutrin (bupropion) is not a good choice for a patient with a history of eating disorders and seizure disorders because it has a higher risk of seizures compared to other antidepressants and can exacerbate eating disorder symptoms.

Question 6

According to Sinacola, Peters-Strickland, and Wyner, which of the following "holistic/herbal" remedies shows the greatest efficacy in reducing depression, cleansing the liver, and helping with joint pain?

Accepted Answer

SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) has shown efficacy in reducing depression, has been suggested to have liver-cleansing properties, and may help with joint pain, making it a versatile supplement for these conditions.

Question 7

A typical daily dose of Lexapro or Trintellix is:

Accepted Answer

The typical daily dose for both Lexapro (escitalopram) and Trintellix (vortioxetine) falls within the range of 10-20 mg, depending on the specific needs and response of the patient.

Question 8

You have started working with a new patient who presents with severe depression, low energy and motivation. She is also 40 pounds overweight. Her primary care physician would like to know if you know of any medication possibilities. You might consider all of the medications below except:

Accepted Answer

Remeron (mirtazapine) is known to potentially increase appetite and lead to weight gain, which might not be suitable for a patient who is already overweight.

Question 9

Exercise is an excellent idea for depressed patients as it increases levels of:

Accepted Answer

Exercise is known to increase levels of phenylethylamine (PEA), which is associated with mood elevation and is thought to contribute to the 'runner's high' and the mood-enhancing effects of regular physical activity. ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) is a treatment method, not a substance. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component of cannabis, and substance P is a neuropeptide involved in pain perception, not directly linked to the mood elevation from exercise.

Question 10

"Serotonin syndrome" includes all of the following symptoms except:

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with increased serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. It typically includes symptoms such as hypertension, fever, and muscle rigidity, but not infection. Infection is not a symptom of serotonin syndrome but could be a separate medical issue.

Quiz 4: Treatment of Anxiety Disorders