There are three Biological approaches to treat Unipolar depression
1. Medication- usually alter serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine which takes 2-4 weeks to have effect
The names of the older less expensive medication used to treat Unipolar depression is-
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) - it blocks a reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
The side effects for taking TCA, the medications to treat unipolar depression. It can cause anticholinergic which is dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, also Adrenergic which is sweating, sexual dysfunction, sudden drop in blood Pressure upon rising and lightheadedness, another symptom that can occur while on this medications is Antihistaminic which is sedation, and weight gain. This medication can be quite toxic and easy to OD.
About 60%-65% experience improvement but another drug that can also be used to treat unipolar depression is
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - inhibit breakdown of monoamines in the synapse.
A Tyramine controlled diet is necessary – can experience a dangerous rise in blood pressure if they eat foods containing tyramine, so if you are on this medication you want to avoid eating aged cheeses, smoked fish, some sausage, beer, wine.
About 50% experience improvement
The Newer medication used to treat unipolar depression which is a second generation antidepressants-
This medication has the same effectiveness as the older medication such as the; tricyclic antidepressants, and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors but the difference is it has fewer side effects as in; nausea, gastrointestinal upset, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, sexual dysfunction (delayed or absent ejaculation or lack of orgasm in women and men)
2. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) -This procedure consists of targeting electrical stimulation to cause a brain seizure, this type of treatment is usually a last resort if someone with a unipolar