...Procaz/Fluoxetine Brian Wai PC6250/Psychopharmacology Argosy University Spring 2014 Prozac is also known as Fluoxetine Hydrochloride, the most media exposure of any psychiatric medication in the history, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors antidepressant that affects chemical in the brain to reduce depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The effect of Prozac is to block the absorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. It regulates the amount of serotonin to help brain cells transmit messages to each other, resulting in a better and more stable mood. Back to 1970s, Fluoxetine was developed by Bryan Molly, David Wong and Roy Fuller of the Eli Lilly corporation in 1973. It was the first product in a major new drugs for depression and introduced to the American market in 1988. They roughly took about two years to gain reputation and most prescribed status around the nation. Fluoxetine was not discovered accidentally but was designed specifically to block the reuptake of serotonin back into the pre-synaptic neuron. The patients whose taking Fluoxetine indicated the improvement of decisiveness, increase self-esteem and quickness of thoughts. They did not have a loss of mood or motivation. (Kruger, 1995) In fact, it enabled them to see their problems in a more objective manner and actively seek solutions. It was mainly to cue depressions but the reports also indicated Fluxoetine could...
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...A drug may be classified by the chemical type of the active ingredient or by the way it is used to treat a particular condition. Each drug can be classified into one or more drug classes. What is Paxil? Paxil also known as paroxetine, is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Paxil affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced. Paxil is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Paroxetine is an oral drug that is used for treating depression. It is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class that also contains fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft). Paroxetine affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain use to communicate with each other. Neurotransmitters are manufactured and released by nerves and then travel and attach to nearby nerves. Thus, neurotransmitters can be thought of as the communication system of the brain. Serotonin is one neurotransmitter that is released by nerves in the brain. The serotonin either travels across the space that lies between nerves and attaches to receptors on the surface of nearby nerves or it attaches to receptors on the surface of the nerve that produced it, to be taken up by the nerve and released again (a process referred to as re-uptake). Tablets: 10, 20, 30,...
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...Psychiatric Disorders, Diseases, and Drugs By Stacy Davis Psych 240 Week 8 Stephanie Neuhring There are many psychological disorders and diseases that affect many people in this world and some of the people with these diseases are being treated with certain medications. Some of the disease most commonly treated is schizophrenia which means the splitting of psychic functions. Antipsychotic drugs are the cornerstone in the management of schizophrenia. Although, these medications don’t cure this disease they greatly reduce the symptoms and allow the patient to function better. The first antipsychotic drug was Thorazine, it was made by accident and was used to treat schizophrenia. The first antischizophrenic drug, chlorpromazine. Chlorpromazine was originally developed as an antihistamine. Soon after other medications such as; Haldol, Prolixin, Navanem Loxapine, Stelazine, Trilafon, and Mallaril were used also. These drugs are known as “neuroleptics” (meaning, “take the neuron”) because these treat positive symptoms they cause cognitive dulling and involuntary movements, among other side effects. The older drugs are not as effective against negative symptoms such as apathy, decreased motivation, and lack of emotional expressiveness. In 1989, new antopsychotics were developed, these were called atypical antipsycoltics, and these had fewer side effects which include, muscular rigidity, painful spasms, restlessness, and tremors. The first new drug, Clozaril is the only one shown...
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...have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depression related symptoms in the winter months on a recurring yearly cycle. CAUSES OF SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER The specific cause of seasonal affective disorder remains unknown but most research shows that (SAD) is caused by a lack of sunlight which has an effect on the chemical levels in the brain. A few specific factors that may come into play include: * Circadian rhythm. Reduced levels of sunlight in fall and winter may disrupt your body's internal clock, which determines when you should sleep or be awake. This disruption of your circadian rhythm may lead to feelings of depression. * Serotonin levels. A drop in neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin, which affects mood, may play a role in (SAD). Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression. * Melatonin levels. The change in seasons can disrupt the balance of the natural hormone melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood. * Vitamin D deficiency. Low vitamin D levels in the blood have recently been linked with a higher occurrence of (SAD) along with other depression related disorders. * Gene Mutation. A new study indicates that (SAD) may be linked to a mutation of melanopsin, a pigment gene in the eye. The melanopsin gene encodes a light-sensitive protein that is found in a class of photoreceptors in the retina that are linked to many non-visual responses, such as the control of circadian rhythms...
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...1 Serotonin Christian Johnson Johnson2 Serotonin Serotonin is a chemical found in the body of humans, animals and plants, throughout the body that carries signals along and between nerve cells. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is believed to promote a feeling of happiness and help treat depression. Many medications are used to increase the amount of serotonin to help battle depression and anxiety. Serotonin can be found in many parts of body, having different functions in each area, Serotonin plays a crucial role wherever it is found. The chemical serotonin doesn’t have just one function because it is synthesized in throughout the body including, the brain, gut and placenta. Serotonin is widely recognized for the role it plays in affiliation with a person’s mood, this function takes place in the brain. Happiness, anxiety and depression are due to the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin’s functions are not just limited to the brain, it also affects bone density. High levels of serotonin in bones can lead to an increase in osteoporosis. In the arteries, sertononin is a vasoconstrictor, which is a substance that causes the muscle in the blood vessels to contract. As previously stated, Serotonin is synthesized in many parts of the body. In each area this chemical is synthesized, it has a different function. Serotonin is synthesized from an amino acid called tryptophan. Over 95 percent of the body’s serotonin is synthesized in the gut. “Serotonin from the gut keeps...
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...such symptoms and factors of depression can be treated in many different ways, studies have proven that between 60-80% of all cases involving depression can successfully be treated by combining psychotherapy and pharmacological constructs (http://www.healthline.com), the latter which shall be explored in greater detail. History of Medication Although plant extracts such as opium, thorn apple St. Johns wort, Henbane, Indian hemp, deadly nightshade, hypericum oil, alcohol, caffeine, cannabis and other natural remedies have been used for past 3000 years treat depression, it wasn’t until 1957 that the first tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) known as imipramine was discovered by Ronald Kuhn and later in the same year the first Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), iproniazide, was introduced by Loomer, Saunders, and Kline (Fitzpatrick, 2010, p. 3), which initially was used to treat tuberculosis, but discovered that it increased mood and physical...
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...Drug Classifications Sarah Castle Marion Technical College Many people in the United States suffer from some form of anxiety. Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, but when anxiety starts to get out of control in response to minimal or no stress, an anxiety disorder is often diagnosed (Fortinash & Holoday Worret, 2012). Anti-anxiety medications are then prescribed to help the treat anxiety disorder. The most common anti-anxiety medications are benzodiazepines. They work by increasing the effect gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a chemical found in the brain, has on controlling the way the neurons in the brain react to each other, decreasing the activity, which then helps to decrease the feeling of anxiety (Manning & Rayfield, 2011). Clonazepam (Klonopin) is classified as a benzodiazepine, as well as an anticonvulsant. It works directly on GABA to suppress neurotransmitter activity. Some common side effects that occur when taking this medication are drowsiness, sedation, ataxia (the lack of coordination of the muscles), dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. If a patient were on this medication the nurse caring for them would want to monitor for signs of suicidal thoughts or ideas in depressed individuals. Patients on long-term therapy may experience physical and psychological dependence. Some signs and symptoms of overdose include confusion, irritability, muscle and abdominal cramps, and diminished reflexes (Shannon, Sheilds, & Wilson, 2012)...
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...decreasing the reactivity in the amygdala. The amygdala has cortical and subcortical projection to other regions of the brain, such as the hippocampus, which is where we create and maintain memories. With the cortical projections increasing the level of activity for the amygdala, there is a possibility your brain will adapt and sustain a repetitive negative associations when approached with an emotion. Anti-Depression medicines target the amygdala because the amygdala is the integrated center for emotions and an emotional behavior. (DeRubeis, R. J., Siegle, G. J., & Hollon, S. D. 2008). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors MAOI’s were the first discovered anti-depressant medicine in the 1950’s, and they were originally used to treat symptoms of tuberculosis. Monoamine Oxidase is an enzyme thats primary function is used to break down three neurotransmitters; norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. These three neurotransmitters are known as the mood enhancers, and by the enzyme inhibiting these neurotransmitters, it prolongs and exerts the mood-enhancer for longer periods of time.(Ciccarelli, S., & White, J. 2013, p. 537-538). MAOI’s are divided...
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...PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS AND DISEASES BY: Vivian Alfonso PSY/240 Professor: Desra Hohlbein February 20, 2015 Abstract The biopsychology of Psychiatric disorders (disorders of psychological function sufficiently severe to require treatment). One of the main difficulties in studying or treating the psychiatric disorders is that they are difficult to diagnose. Because they cannot identify the specific brain pathology associated with various disorders, their diagnosis usually rests entirely on the patients symptoms. The diagnosis is guided by the DSM-IV-TR (the current edition of the Diagnostic and statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Associations. I will be discussing the following psychiatric disorders Schizophrenia, Anxiety Disorders, Affective (emotional) disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Tourette syndrome. These disorders are all very important and are treatable. Most people can live happy and healthy lives if treatments are followed by a doctor. The major difficulty in studying and treating schizophrenia is accurately defining it (Heinrichs, 2005; Kreuger & Markon, 2006). Its symptoms are complex and diverse; they overlap greatly with those of other psychiatric disorders and frequently change during the progression of the disorder. Also, various neurological disorders have complex partial epilepsy; have symptoms that might suggest a diagnosis of schizophrenia. In recognition of the fact that the current definition of schizophrenia likely...
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...Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression Your Name Here BEH 225 Date Teacher Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression One very common type of psychological disorder is depression. “Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by sadness, loss of interest in activities and perhaps excessive guilt or feelings of worthlessness.” (Morris & Maisto, 2010, p. 398). Depression is the most common type of mood disorder. Most individuals who suffer from depression feel as though they do everything wrong and feel like they are a failure at life. They also tend to blame themselves for their problems. People who suffer from depression often lose interest in sex and food and are also likely to suffer from insomnia. They also have problems concentrating and suffer from short term memory loss. It is normal to be sad occasionally, but this is different from being clinically depressed. When there is a disturbance in mood that is a normal reaction or the disturbance does not last very long, there is no cause to worry; however, when it is long lasting and it is not a normal reaction it is classified as a mood disorder. Depression is mainly diagnosed by a person’s self-reported experiences or the person’s friends or relative’s voiced concerns. This then prompts a physician to do a mental examination to determine if the person is indeed depressed. After a family history is done, and the doctor is aware of the patient’s symptoms, the physician may ask the patient different questions and...
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...marital conflict, financial difficulty, or some personal failure. Most psychologists believe depression results from an interaction between stressful life events and a person’s biological and psychological vulnerabilities. Depression runs in families also. Genetically identical twins raised in the same environment are three times more likely to have depression in common than fraternal twins, who have only about half of their genes in common. In addition, identical twins are five times more likely to have bipolar disorder in common. Studies have shown that certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters play an important role in regulating moods and emotions. Neurotransmitters involved in depression include nor epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Studies have also suggested a relationship between neurotransmitter levels and depression. An imbalance of hormones may also play a role in depression. Many depressed people have higher than normal levels of hydrocortisone (cortical), a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland in response to stress. In addition, an underactive or overactive thyroid gland can lead to depression. Depression can take several other forms. In bipolor disorder, a person’s mood...
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...the world. In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, about one in ten returning soldiers seen in VA have a problem with alcohol or other drugs (Veteran Affairs 2012). As human service provider I witness this co diagnosis of PTSD ( Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and SUD (Substance Abuse Disorder) daily and it has encouraged me to form a opinion. After some deep thought I would like to look into the efficiency of the treatment prescribed to solders suffering from PTSD and which is more effective. In this paper I will be looking Cognitive behavioral therapy offered when trying to treat PTSD and SUD . On the other hand I will like to look into a variety of medication therapy which includes anxiety medication and drugs known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. On an weekly basis I deal with over 100 veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD and in most cases are dual diagnosed with SUD (Substance Use Disorder). While looking over these veterans charts I notice that many have attended Cognitive behavioral therapy,...
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...GENERIC | BRAND | CLASS | MAJOR USE | SCHEDULE | ROUTES | atorvastatin | Lipitor | HMA-CoA reductase inhibitor | hypercholesterolemia | not controlled | PO | amoxicillin | Amoxil, Trimox | Penicillin antibiotic | infection | not controlled | PO | hydrochlorothiazide | Microzide | Thiazide Diuretic | Hypertension/edema | not controlled | PO | azithromycin | Zithromax | macrolide antibiotic | infection | not controlled | PO, IV | metformin | Glucophage, Glucophage XR | antidiabetic | Type 2 Diabetes | not controlled | PO | atenolol | Tenormin | beta blocker (B1) | hypertension/angina/acute M.I. | not controlled | PO, IV | Simvastatin | Zocor | HMG-CoA Redctase inhibitor | hypercholesterolemia | not controlled | PO | alprazolam | Xanax, Xanax XR | benzodiazepeine | anxietty/panic disorder | schedule 4 | PO | furosemide | Lasix | loop diuretic | edema/hypertension | not controlled | PO, IV | zolpidem | Ambien, Ambien CR | anxiolytic/hypnotic | insomnia | schedule 4 | PO | potassium chloride | K-Dur, Klor-Con, Micro-K | posassium supplement/electrolyte | hypokalemia | not controlled | PO, IV | sertraline | Zoloft | selective serotonin reuptake (SSRI) | major depression/ocd/panic disorder | not controlled | PO | montelukast | Singulair | leukotriene inhibitor | asthma maintenence | not controlled | PO | escitalopram | Lexapro | selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | major depression/anxiety | not controlled | PO | oxycodone+acetaminophen | Endocet, Percocet...
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...Depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world. Depression isn't a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply "snap out of." Depression, formally called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a medical illness that involves the mind and body. It affects how you think and behave and can cause a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may not be able to go about your usual daily activities, and depression may make you feel as if life just isn't worth living anymore. Most health professionals today consider depression a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment, much like diabetes or high blood pressure. Although some people experience only one episode of depression, most have repeated episodes of depression symptoms throughout their life. Effective diagnosis and treatment can help reduce even severe depression symptoms. And with effective treatment, most people with depression feel better, often within weeks, and can return to the daily activities they previously enjoyed. Symptoms of depression include: Loss of interest in normal daily activities Feeling sad or down Feeling hopeless Crying spells for no apparent reason Problems sleeping Trouble focusing or concentrating Difficulty making decisions Unintentional weight gain or loss Irritability Restlessness Being easily annoyed Feeling fatigued or weak Feeling worthless Loss of interest in sex Thoughts of suicide or suicidal...
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...Aungel Williams Bryant & Stratton College Psychology101 Ms. Manigault July 15, 2011 Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents is a lifelong condition, however it can affect both how you feel, and how you act. The disorder is thought to be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that can result in extreme mood swings. Mood swings are from manic highs depressive to lows depressive. The chemical imbalances are believed to lead to the symptoms that the child or adolescents experience with bipolar disorder. They must have experienced a high period which is called mania or hypomania. Bipolar mania is described as an extreme high or feeling abnormal. Bipolar disorder is known as manic depressive that have mood swings from ecstatic elation to deep depression. A manic person may show excessive energy, lessened need for sleep, and inflated self-esteem. People with bipolar would have depression are more likely to have insomnia and agitation. “Those that have bipolar disorder also exhibit social withdrawal, and irritability. Some people with the bipolar disorder attempt suicide when the mood shifts from the elated phase toward depression. They will do almost anything to escape the depths of depression that lay ahead” (Spencer, 2011, p.257). Funded teams of the federally funded has stated and investigated the normal age for Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents starts at the age of six years old. “The federally funded studies have shown 7 percent of children seen...
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