Pharmacotherapy 22
Psychiatry and Mental Health
Card 1 of 14Depression
📖 Chapter Opening
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Restoring neurotransmitter balance
Major Depressive Disorder
SSRIs are first-line for major depression; response takes 4-6 weeks at an adequate dose.
Antidepressants raise monoamine signaling. Choose by side-effect profile, comorbidity, and prior response, and continue at least 6-12 months after remission.
The lag
Mood improves over 4-6 weeks; do not declare failure early. Energy may improve before mood - watch for early suicide risk.