For this discussion, I have selected the interactive media piece “Treating Major Depressive Disorder.” Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities.
In completing the interactive media piece for MDD, the decision steps I applied included identifying the patient’s symptoms, assessing their severity, determining their past medication history and comorbidities, and selecting an appropriate pharmacotherapeutic.
Based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history, I recommended the use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as the most effective pharmacotherapeutic. SSRIs increase the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that controls mood, appetite, and sleep.
The administration of an SSRI may impact the patient’s pathophysiology in several ways. First, SSRIs can lead to changes in the brain’s chemistry by altering the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. It can reduce symptoms of depression. SSRIs, however, can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness and sexual dysfunction.
It is essential to take into account the possible impacts of pharmacotherapeutics in order to suggest treatment plans. If a patient experiences side effects from an SSRI then alternative medication or treatment options can be explored. Additionally, ongoing monitoring of the patient’s symptoms and any potential adverse effects associated with pharmacotherapeutics is essential to ensure the patient receives safe and effective treatment.