Question

Samantha, a 14 -year-old, seeks help for depression. Her doctor reviews the literature on treating adolescent depression and concludes that taking Prozac, an SSRI antidepressant medication, will likely be in treating Samantha's symptoms. He also concludes that cognitive-behavioral therapy may her drug treatment. a. effective; increase b. effective; decrease c. ineffective; increase d. ineffective; decrease

Short answer

The correct answer is (a) effective; increase.

Step-by-step solution

Read the given scenario carefully and understand the context

The doctor reviews the literature on treating adolescent depression and concludes that taking Prozac will likely help in treating Samantha's symptoms. He also concludes that cognitive-behavioral therapy may assist her drug treatment.

Match each option with the context

Here are the given options: a. effective; increase b. effective; decrease c. ineffective; increase d. ineffective; decrease We are looking for the option that correctly describes the doctor's conclusion. In this case, we want to find a phrase that tells us that Prozac will help treat depression (effective/ineffective), and cognitive-behavioral therapy will help with the drug treatment (increase/decrease).

Analyze each option and select the best fit

We will now analyze each option and select the one that best fits the given scenario: a. effective; increase This option tells us that Prozac is effective in treating depression and that cognitive-behavioral therapy will increase the effects of the drug treatment. This matches the doctor's conclusion. b. effective; decrease This option tells us that Prozac is effective in treating depression, but cognitive-behavioral therapy will decrease the effects of the drug treatment. This does not match the doctor's conclusion. c. ineffective; increase This option tells us that Prozac is ineffective in treating depression, but cognitive-behavioral therapy will increase the effects of the drug treatment. This does not match the doctor's conclusion. d. ineffective; decrease This option tells us that Prozac is ineffective in treating depression and that cognitive-behavioral therapy will decrease the effects of the drug treatment. This does not match the doctor's conclusion.

Choose the correct option

Based on our analysis, the correct option is (a) effective; increase, as it matches the doctor's conclusion regarding Prozac and cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating Samantha's depression.

Key concepts

Prozac

Prozac is a commonly prescribed medication known for treating depression. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Prozac works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation.

For adolescents like Samantha, dealing with depression can be challenging. Prozac can often be an effective part of the treatment plan. It can help alleviate symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, and lack of energy. However, it is essential to monitor the patient since adolescents can have different reactions to medication compared to adults. Regular check-ins with a doctor ensure the right dosage and adjustments.

Advantages of Prozac for adolescents include:

• Evidence of effectiveness in improving mood
• Long track record of use in treating depression
• Generally well-tolerated with manageable side effects

Starting a conversation with healthcare providers is highly recommended to weigh the benefits and risks.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy focused on changing negative thought patterns that can affect emotions and behaviors. For adolescents, CBT offers a structured approach to cope with depression by teaching new skills to manage their symptoms.

When combined with medications like Prozac, CBT can enhance the effectiveness of treatment. The therapy usually involves setting concrete goals and learning skills such as problem-solving, recognizing and challenging distorted thoughts, and developing positive behaviors.

Key benefits of CBT include:

• Empowers individuals through skill-building and self-awareness
• Provides long-lasting coping mechanisms
• Effective in reducing the symptoms of depression

In Samantha's case, CBT may amplify the positive effects of Prozac by addressing the cognitive aspects of her depression and offering tools to handle emotional challenges.

SSRI Antidepressants

SSRI Antidepressants, including Prozac, are a class of medications used to treat depression by balancing chemicals in the brain. They function by preventing the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin, increasing its availability to improve mood and emotional stability.

SSRIs are generally considered effective and safe for both adults and adolescents when appropriately prescribed. They are often a preferred choice due to their targeted action and lower risk of side effects relative to older classes of antidepressants.

Benefits of SSRI Antidepressants involve:

• Treating a range of mental health disorders, not just depression
• Typically having fewer side effects than other antidepressants
• Proven effectiveness through clinical studies

While SSRIs have many benefits, it’s crucial to monitor for any side effects or adverse reactions in teenagers. Open communication with healthcare providers can help in managing the treatment and ensuring optimal outcomes.