Instructor:
What is depression? How were antidepressant drugs discovered? How do they affect the brain? Why do they only work for some? Over the past few years, more people are exploring mental health treatments. However, many cannot frame depression or antidepressants in scientific terms in discussions. In this course, we will create an empathetic framework to talk about depression and antidepressants. We will investigate the history of diagnosing depression and examine different classes of antidepressants, how they are alike and different, and current scientific research that suggests how they work in the brain. Students can investigate new therapies, including micro-dosing ketamine. Students will explore and discuss how history, government, sociology, and science overlap. At the end of this course, students will be able to investigate data to develop their unique conclusions on mood-altering drugs and their use in society. Ultimately, students will become skilled with how to discuss mental illness and antidepressants with others and appreciate current scientific research on this important topic.