Effects of Antidepressants. A Literature Review

Academic Paper from the year 2023 in the subject Health Sciences - Health Psychology, grade: 1,0, , language: English, abstract: This scientific paper discusses the effects of antidepressants, by use of a literature review. Depression is among the most prevalent illnesses worldwide. Unfortunately, the response to pharmacological intervention is frequently ineffectual. Ketamine has been used in the application of brand-new glutamatergic drugs for the treatment of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), as well as their alleged effectiveness mechanisms. About 30% of patients with depression do not respond well to psychotherapy or antidepressants. Although Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is more effective at treating depression, its use is limited by adverse mental effects, and the likelihood of recurrent depression is higher. The prolonged use of antidepressants has been associated with side effects that have detrimental health consequences. Furthermore, some antidepressants such as Ketamine and Esketamine have adverse effects on the human body. The purpose of this research was to establish whether Ketamine and Esketamine have significant health problems. Additionally, the research sought to answer the research question of whether the level of side effects has significance to determine the eradication of antidepressants to patients. The research concluded that the level of side effects of Ketamine and Esketamine is not significant to establish a serious health problem for depressant patients. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop fresh treatment approaches for depression in general and focused interventions for depression.