Psychotherapeutic Drugs – Antidepressants & Antipsychotics | Ch 17 – Lilley’s Pharmacology (5th)

Chapter 17 provides a comprehensive overview of psychotherapeutic drugs used in the treatment of major mental health conditions, specifically focusing on anxiety disorders, affective disorders (depression and mania), and psychoses (such as schizophrenia). The pathophysiology of these disorders is explored through theories like the biogenic amine hypothesis (BAH), which posits that alterations in concentrations of key neurotransmitters—including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—are primary causes. Pharmacological treatment is categorized into four main classes: anxiolytic drugs, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines, primarily function by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA in the CNS, though drugs like buspirone offer non-sedating alternatives. Lithium is the traditional mood stabilizer, requiring meticulous serum level monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic index and interaction with sodium and hydration status. Antidepressants are broadly divided into first-generation drugs (TCAs and MAOIs) and preferred second-generation drugs (SSRIs and SNRIs), which work primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Critical safety concerns with antidepressants include the risk of serotonin syndrome with excessive serotonergic activity and the lethal potential of TCA overdose. Antipsychotic drugs, including conventional (e.g., haloperidol) and newer atypical agents (e.g., clozapine, risperidone), treat psychotic symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors; atypical drugs offer better profiles but still carry risks like extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), tardive dyskinesia, and the development of cardiometabolic syndrome. The nursing process emphasizes thorough neurological and mental status assessment, continuous monitoring for suicidal ideation, and diligent patient education regarding medication adherence, adverse effects (such as orthostatic hypotension or agranulocytosis risk with clozapine), and the required washout periods between certain drug classes. 📘 Read full blog summaries for every chapter: https://lastminutelecture.com 📘 Have a book recommendation? Submit your suggestion here: https://forms.gle/y7vQQ6WHoNgKeJmh8 Thank you for being a part of our little Last Minute Lecture family! ⚠️ Disclaimer: These summaries are created for educational and entertainment purposes only. They provide transformative commentary and paraphrased overviews to help students understand key ideas from the referenced textbooks. Last Minute Lecture is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any textbook publisher or author. All textbook titles, names, and cover images—when shown—are used under nominative fair use solely for identification of the work being discussed. Some portions of the writing and narration are generated with AI-assisted tools to enhance accessibility and consistency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, these materials are intended to supplement—not replace—official course readings, lectures, or professional study resources. Always refer to the original textbook and instructor guidance for complete and authoritative information.