Indications for the Use of Antidepressants and Prospects for Reducing Side Effects Associated with Their Use

Abstract

This activity reviews the indications, contraindications, action, adverse events, and other important aspects of antidepressant therapy in the clinical setting as it relates to the crucial information required by members of an interprofessional team managing the care of patients receiving antidepressant medications for conditions that respond to this medication class. Although antidepressants may be the drug of choice for depression, they also have FDA approval as treatments for other medical disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings indicate that there is no discernible difference in the reduction of depressive symptoms in persons with non-severe depression between pharmaceutical and exercise therapies. Exercise as an adjuvant or alternative treatment for persons with non-severe depression is supported by these data. Depression can be effectively treated with exercise, and strength training, yoga, and jogging or walking are more beneficial than other forms of exercise, especially when done vigorously. Comparing yoga and strength training to other treatments, they were well tolerated. People with varying baseline levels of depression and those without comorbidities seemed to benefit equally from exercise. In order to reduce expectancy effects, future research could try to blind staff and participants. These types of exercise could be viewed as essential treatments for depression, in addition to psychotherapy and antidepressants.