Lecture 1

Welcome to the Antidepressant Overview module. In this comprehensive lecture, we explore the mechanisms, indications, and side effect profiles of the most commonly prescribed classes of antidepressants—including SSRIs, SNRIs, atypicals, TCAs, and MAOIs. We’ll cover how to individualize antidepressant treatment based on symptom clusters, patient history, and co-existing medical or psychiatric conditions. Special attention is given to titration strategies, managing side effects, switching or augmenting agents, and identifying signs of treatment-emergent issues like activation or emotional blunting. This session is ideal for both seasoned clinicians and students aiming to build a strong pharmacologic foundation in mood disorder management. Whether you're refining your approach to first-line treatments or evaluating complex treatment-resistant cases, this lecture will help enhance your confidence and clinical precision in prescribing antidepressants.