Research Journal of Psychology

A Review of Antidepressant Medications in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: Effectiveness vs. Side Effects

Ahmad Khan — 2025-07-01

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains one of the most prevalent and disabling psychiatric illnesses worldwide. Pharmacological treatment options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Each class has unique efficacy and side effect profiles.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to compare the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs for treating MDD in adults.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search (2010–2022) was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses evaluating efficacy and adverse effects. Data were extracted and analyzed descriptively; pooled effect sizes were calculated where appropriate.

Results: SSRIs demonstrated the highest average effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.75), followed by SNRIs (0.68), TCAs (0.60), and MAOIs (0.55). Common side effects included sexual dysfunction and nausea with SSRIs and SNRIs, while TCAs and MAOIs were associated with sedation and weight gain. Younger men showed higher responsiveness but also reported more severe side effects.

Conclusion: SSRIs remain the most effective and commonly prescribed treatment for MDD, though their side effect profile affects adherence. Personalized treatment approaches and further research are needed to optimize outcomes.

Evaluating the Anxiety and Depression Level Among General Surgery Patients Attendants In Tertiary Care Hospital Lahore, Pakistan

Hamna Saif — 2025-07-01

Background: The hospitalization and surgical treatment of patients not only affect the individuals undergoing surgery but also place a considerable emotional and psychological burden on their attendants. Attendants often experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to concerns about the patient's health, possible complications, and outcomes. Understanding the relationship between the patient's health status and the mental well-being of their attendants is essential for providing holistic care and improving both patient and family outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate the anxiety and depression level among the general surgery patient’s attendants.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in a tertiary care hospital with a sample of 53 attendants selected using simple random sampling. The levels of anxiety and depression have been assessed using validated scales Generlized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Results: The findings of this study revealed that all depression and anxiety questions received favorable answers from the majority of respondents, with a score of (43%) depressive and (34%) anxiety symptoms. While 13% participants have no depression symptoms and (8%) have no anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion: The study concluded that majority of participants have experienced high level of anxiety and depression. These results highlight the need for targeted psychological support and interventions to address the mental health challenges faced by attendants in surgical settings.

Relationship between Cognitive Load and AI Dependence among University Teachers: Moderating role of Decision Making Styles

Qazi Abdullah — 2025-07-02

As the highly robust environment of higher education keeps progressing, university instructors face increasing cognitive imposition due to their multi-role task nature and growing integration of technology in learning. This study investigates the relationship between cognitive load, decision making styles (rational, intuitive) and dependence on artificial intelligence (Al) among university teachers. Data were collected from 240 faculty members of both public and private sector universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A cross-sectional survey design was employed and the Cognitive Load Theory was implemented. Cognitive load (NASA-TLX), Al dependence, and decision-making styles (rational and intuitive) were assessed using standardized instruments. Results established a significant positive correlation between cognitive load, decision making styles and AI dependence. The findings highlight the need for proficient cognitive strategies and measured integration of Al in educational settings to prevent over-reliance and preserve critical thinking. This research contributes to the literature on educational psychology and technology integration and offers practical implications for policy makers and educators in curating focused interventions and training programs to enhance decision-making competence and manage cognitive demands in academic environments.

Balancing Roles: The Impact of Multitasking, Work and Social Adjustment on Decision Making among Married Working Women

Misbah Arshad — 2025-07-03

This study conducted to investigate the relationship and explores how multitasking and ability to adjust to work and social environment impact the decision making among married working women in Pakistan. A cross sectional correlational design is used and collection of data is accomplished through a structured-questionnaires including Everyday Multitasking Scale (EMS), Work and Social Adjustment (WSAS) and Decision Style Scale (DSS) which measure both intuitive and rational decision styles. Questionnaire were distributed by using a purposive sampling among 500 married working women from different job sectors including educational sector that encompassing teachers, lecturers and from medical profession that include nurses, lady health workers, bankers and from women who are in business profession. This study provide insight on women who married more than ten years and their work experience more than eleven years are better in multitasking and performance and their rational decision making strong who have work experience from six to ten year and have less than two years of marriage and work experience from 0-2 years showed better adjustment also strong rational decision making. This study give insight to monitor development over time and investigated how decision making quality of married working women is affected by multitasking and adjustment skills.