Understanding SSRIs and Their Mechanism

What was the impact of SSRIs development in the 1980s on psychiatric treatment?

• They were banned due to severe side effects.

• They were only used for anxiety disorders.

• They revolutionized the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders.

• They were used to treat physical injuries.

What does the 'Selective' in SSRIs refer to?

• Enhancing all neurotransmitter functions.

• Blocking all brain activities.

• Focusing on a specific chemical message.

• Targeting all neurotransmitters in the brain.

What is the role of serotonin in the brain?

• It is involved in digestion.

• It affects mood, appetite, and sleep.

• It is responsible for muscle contraction.

• It regulates blood pressure.

What is the synaptic cleft?

• The gap between two neurons where chemical communication occurs.

• A part of the neuron that stores serotonin.

• A type of neurotransmitter.

• A receptor site on the neuron.

What triggers an action potential in a neuron?

• An electrical charge traveling down the neuron.

• A lack of stimulation.

• A change from positive to negative charge.

• A decrease in sodium levels.

How do SSRIs affect serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft?

• They decrease serotonin levels.

• They block serotonin production.

• They increase serotonin availability by blocking reuptake.

• They convert serotonin into another neurotransmitter.

What is the primary function of SSRIs in the brain?

• To enhance dopamine production.

• To block the reuptake of serotonin.

• To increase adrenaline levels.

• To decrease neuron firing.

Besides depression, what other disorders are SSRIs used to treat?

• Anxiety, trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

• Only eating disorders.

• Only sleep disorders.

• Only physical disorders.

What is a potential side effect of SSRIs?

• Enhanced physical strength.

• Improved memory.

• Emotional blunting.

• Increased appetite.

What is a more modern understanding of depression beyond the serotonin hypothesis?

• It is solely caused by a lack of serotonin.

• It is caused by excessive serotonin.

• It involves multiple factors including genetics and environment.

• It is only due to brain circuitry issues.