Depression:
Depression is a heterogenous disorder characterised by feeling of sadness and hopeless, inability experience pleasure in usual activities, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, loss of energy, difficulties in concentration and suicidal thoughts.
Depression is the major cause of disability and premature death.
Antidepressant:
There are some drugs that used to reduce the depression. These are:
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
- Venlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine
- Imipramine
- Desipramine
- Amitriptyline
- Selegiline
A drug that is used to treat agitation in people having dementia is no more effective than a placebo, and it might even increase the risk of mortality.
Mirtazapine showed no improvement in agitation for people who have dementia and it also increase the risk of mortality. It also increases bladder medication.
Antidepressant has anticholinergic effect. They block acetylcholine action both in central and peripheral nervous system. Anticholinergic activity increases the cognitive function of the patient. That increase the risk of dementia and also increase the chance of mortality.
Agitation is a common symptom of dementia, that is characterized by inappropriate verbal, vocal or motor activity, and sometimes involves physical and verbal aggression. It develops mood changes and behaviour. Non-drug patient-centered care is the first intervention that should be offered but, when this doesn’t work, clinicians may move to a drug-based alternative. Antipsychotics have proven to increase death rates in those with dementia, along with other poor outcomes, and so mirtazapine has been routinely prescribed. This study was designed to add to the evidence base around its effectiveness.
Antidepressant commonly used in anxiety and depression. Previous study shows that it is responsible for adaptive process disruption. It mainly inhibits reuptake serotonin. It blocks reuptake of serotonin into nerve cell and prolong the action of brain. SNRIs also inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenalin. This also increase the level of both neurotransmitters for longer duration of period in the brain. It also reduces brain metabolism and thus it accelerates clinical risk of dementia. SSRI may help to improve the cognitive function in patient with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease allocating half to mirtazapine and half to placebo. The trial was double-blind. Dementia is neurocognitive disorder that is characterised by cognitive impairment. Life expectancy of the people increased. Prevalence showed that dementia increased dramatically. It also increases the risk of stroke, diabetes mallitus, hypertension and head trauma associated with hyperlipidaemia.
MAOIs they also increase the duration of neuronal activation of that is by serotonin and noradrenalin. Antidepressant also causes cytotoxicity in the normal cells, growth of the neuron and death. Is also causes the neurological adverse effects and other symptoms.
Antidepressants also have anti-inflammatory effects due to its different mode of action. It causes modification of glial activation that reduce the risk of dementia.
Antidepressants also causes hay fever, stomach cramp and travel sickness. Now a days doctor says that these drugs should be avoided in people having memory loss problem. it is prohibited in patient age more than 65 years and having memory loss problem.
Not only antidepressant but also bladder medication, anti-Parkinson’s drug also causes the same problem. Results shows that there is no agitation after 12 weeks in antidepressant group of drugs.
Lead researcher Professor Sube Banerjee, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Professor in Dementia at the University of Plymouth, explained why the results were so surprising, but important.
Dementia has been affected 46 million people worldwide. Poor life quality is responsible for these problems like agitation and we need to find ways to help those affected.
“This study shows that a common way of managing symptoms is not helpful – and could even be detrimental. It’s really important that these results are taken into account and mirtazapine is no longer used to treat agitation in people with dementia.
“This study has added important information to the evidence base, and we look forward to investigating further treatments that may help to improve people’s quality of life.”
Other than these antidepressant drugs have some severe side effects like:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Increase weight and appetite
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea
Depression is a mental problem we can solve this problem by taking some measures like:
- Taking physical exercise such as: swimming, walking
- Exercise the mind with reading or some brain games like puzzles
- Joining a group of own hobby like dancing group, singing group, drawing group or any other fun group
- Doing arts, crafts or other things that may helpful to keeping you happy
- Visiting museum or galleries on day visit
- Hanging out with friends
- Counselling also plays a very important role
- Get a routine life
- Set goals
- Talk to a person about your feelings
- Meeting new people
- Challenging new thoughts
- Surrounding yourself with positive people and thoughts
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Do some activities
- Aromatherapy
- Adopt a pet
- Talk therapy
- Conclusion
Antidepressant drugs, epilepsy drugs, anti-Parkinson’s drugs, bladder drugs and antipsychotic drugs should not use randomly. These drugs should be used with proper medication. Don’t use these drugs without doctors’ consultation. But it is nice if you have the power to resolve your problem.
Always try to be happy, don’t compare yourself with anyone else. Be happy and be confidant.
