Mental Health Nursing Practice Exam

The first group of antidepressants discovered were Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Developed in the 1950s, these medications were initially used to treat tuberculosis but were later found to have mood-elevating effects in patients. This marked a significant innovation in the treatment of depression, as prior to this, there were limited options available for addressing mood disorders.

MAOIs work by inhibiting the action of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. By preventing this breakdown, MAOIs increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, which can alleviate depressive symptoms.

In contrast, other types of antidepressants—such as Tricyclic Antidepressants, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, and Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors—were developed later. Tricyclics emerged in the late 1950s and 1960s, while SSRIs and SNRIs were introduced in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively. Understanding the historical development of these medications helps to appreciate the evolution of psychiatric treatment options available today.