Deck 30: Treatment of Affective Disorders

Question 1

The physiologic effect of antidepressant medications is relatively quick. However, the clinical response is much slower; this is thought to be primarily due to:

A) An increase in serotonin hydrolysis within the synapse
B) Stimulation of serotonergic and noradrenergic autoreceptors that results in a decrease in 5-HT release
C) Immediate down regulation of serotonergic receptors
D) A transient up regulation of noradrenergic receptors
E) Induction of hepatic metabolism

Answer 1

Stimulation of serotonergic and noradrenergic autoreceptors that results in a decrease in 5-HT release

Question 2

The serotonin syndrome:

A) Symptoms can be lessened by administration of methysergide
B) Is caused by an increase in 5-HT synthesis as well as decreased breakdown
C) Is characterized by blanching of the skin
D) Is an unpleasant but clinically benign side effect
E) Is less commonly associated with sertraline than with bupropion

Answer 2

Symptoms can be lessened by administration of methysergide

Question 3

The difference between SSRIs and SNRIs is:

A) SSRIs do not impede the reuptake of 5-HT
B) SSRIs are not effective for anxiety disorders
C) SNRIs have more impact on norepinephrine reuptake than do SSRIs
D) SNRIs are more like TCAs than SSRIs
E) SNRIs have no association with serotonin syndrome

Answer 3

SNRIs have more impact on norepinephrine reuptake than do SSRIs

Question 4

Tricyclic antidepressants can produce delirium. Which of the following is true about this effect?

A) The delirium is considered beneficial in treating depression
B) Increasing the TCA dosage usually alleviates the problem
C) The delirium is due to increased 5-HT receptor stimulation
D) The antimuscarinic activity of this class is thought to be at the cause
E) Is usually a prelude to the onset of seizures