Mary, at 54, found herself single for the first time since her 20s after her marriage irreparably broke down.

Mary, at 54, found herself single for the first time since her 20s after her marriage irreparably broke down. She began renting a small apartment but had difficulty finding work as she had little work experience after spending most of the last 30 years as a homemaker. She became increasingly worried about finances and was having difficulties coping with this large life change. She felt stressed most of the time, with bouts of insomnia, accompanied with an inability to get out of bed.
Having lived with a mother that suffered from depression for many years Mary knew the signs, she sought help from her local doctor.
Mary’s doctor diagnosed her with depression. He prescribed fluoxetine, and also gave her a two-week prescription for temazepam to help with her insomnia.
1. From this case study discuss Mary’s circumstances and symptoms with what you know of depression.
2. Describe the mechanism of action of these two medications and their major adverse effects.
3. Evidence shows that antidepressants take weeks to work. Discuss how it is thought antidepressants change the brain.