Question

Discuss causes and consequences of noncompliance with lithium and possible solutions to noncompliant behaviors.

How does serotonin impact mood, and how do SSRIs improve depressive symptoms?

Answer 1

The causes and consequences of noncompliance with lithium include people’s skepticism of adherence due to the side effects. Lack of awareness of their illness (anosognosia) is also a cause. Concurrent alcohol or drug abuse is also another cause and a poor relationship between psychiatrist and patient may be the other reason.

Possible solutions to noncompliant behaviors include counseling the patients about the risks and benefits of noncompliance. Educating the patients about their medical condition and the requirement of the treatment. Educating the patients about the problems associated with substance abuse.

Serotonin helps regulate our mood naturally as when the levels of this hormone are normal, we feel:

• happier
• calmer
• more focused
• less anxious
• more emotionally stable

Serotonin deficiency leads to anxiety and insomnia.     

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the prescribed antidepressants that ease symptoms of moderate to severe depression, by inhibiting the reuptake of this neurotransmitter and hence prolonging its action.