Seminar Date: May 2, 2007
Presented by: Jeff Mcllroy, MD
Depression is a condition or disease that involves genetics, biologic, psychological, cultural and spiritual etiologies. The understanding of the specific realm of the neurobiology of depression is helpful in being able to support- as well as to critique- the use of antidepressants. The use of antidepressants has become quite common and generally accepted. A basic knowledge of what they are supposed to be doing is vital as you discuss with your patients their struggles with the side effects, partial results and costs of these medicines. This lecture will cover both the chemical basis of depression and the use of medicines for its treatment.
Goals:
1. To cover a brief epidemiology of depression.
2. To examine in some depth the neurobiology of depression.
3. To study the overall categories of families of antidepressants.
4. To review other augmenting medication strategies for mood disturbances.
5. To briefly discuss other physical, non-medicinal options for the treatment of depression.

