Abstract |
THREE THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES HAVE PROVED EFFECTIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSIVE SYNDROMES: electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. ECT gives the most reliable and most rapid results but may be contraindicated in certain cases. Psychotherapy is limited in its application to the reactive aspects of a depression. Pharmacotherapy is currently the most widely applied treatment of depression. Two classes of drugs are available which are effective in about 60% of depressed patients: the monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic compounds. Their mechanism of action is probably related to the regulation of the biogenic amine balance in the brain. The distinction between antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs is not as sharp as was formerly assumed. Maintenance pharmacotherapy has been shown to have prophylactic value in preventing relapses.
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Authors | H E LEHMANN |
Journal | Canadian Medical Association journal
(Can Med Assoc J)
Vol. 92
Pg. 821-8
(Apr 10 1965)
ISSN: 0008-4409 [Print] Canada |
PMID | 14272501
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Antidepressive Agents
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- Tranquilizing Agents
- Amitriptyline
- Imipramine
- Desipramine
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Topics |
- Amitriptyline
- Antidepressive Agents
- Convulsive Therapy
- Depression
- Depressive Disorder
- Desipramine
- Drug Therapy
- Electroconvulsive Therapy
- Imipramine
- Mental Disorders
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychotherapy
- Toxicology
- Tranquilizing Agents
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