Psychopharmacology

There Is No Way Of Measuring Our Mind.

There is a lot still to learn about the mind and how our brain chemistry affects it. It can be hard to understand how psychopharmacology treatments actually work, when there is no way of measuring our mind. Today, I will write about anti-depressants. 

SSRIs

The most popular anti-depressants to prescribe at this time are SSRIs. SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. What does this mean? The point of an SSRI is to inhibit the re-uptake of serotonin, so that serotonin levels gradually increase. 

Neurotransmitters and Mood 

What is serotonin? Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which helps to balance mood. Certain things we eat or do can boost serotonin levels – this is why doctors often recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise when you’re suffering from depression or anxiety issues. However, food and exercise are not a cure. Sometimes, we need the extra boost. 

SSRIs Vs SNRIs 

Different kinds of antidepressants do different things. Similar to the SSRI anti-depressants, there are also SNRIs. SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitors) also inhibit the re-uptake of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a stress hormone and neurotransmitter. It prepares the body for movement. Low levels of norepinephrine can be a part of depression, making you feel sluggish and less motivated to move or do things, more inclined to sleep – this is a symptom that many people with their depression experience. 

Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety That Can Be Helped By Anti-Depressants  

Depression and anxiety affect people in different ways. Some people with depression get irritable, struggle with insomnia and might ‘work their problems away’. Others might sleep too much and find it hard to do tasks that most would consider simple (brushing teeth, making dinner etc.). In the first example mentioned, an SSRI might be prescribed, as irritability and insomnia are more linked to stress and anxiety. In the second example an SNRI might be prescribed to help lift the patient’s energy levels as well as lifting their mood. 

There Is So Much More To Learn. 

Overall, this is only one small area of psychopharmacology. All patients who are prescribed these medications need to be monitored for a while after taking them, just to make sure they are responding in a healthy way.