Mood disorders: monoamine hypothesis and reserpine: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Mood disorders: monoamine hypothesis and reserpine

Sample item

A man started on reserpine for hypertension becomes withdrawn, tearful and sleepless over several weeks. Which mechanism of the drug explains the depression?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Depletion of vesicular stores of monoamines

Reserpine blocks the vesicular monoamine transporter, so noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine are depleted from nerve terminals. This observation supported the monoamine hypothesis of depression. Antidepressants raise synaptic monoamines in the opposite way.

Option by option

  • A. Antagonism of 5-HT3 receptors

    5-HT3 antagonism is the action of ondansetron and does not cause depression.

  • B. Blockade of postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors

    D2 blockade is the action of antipsychotics and is not how reserpine acts.

  • C. Depletion of vesicular stores of monoamines (correct)

    Correct. Reserpine empties vesicles of monoamines, which can precipitate depression.

  • D. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase

    MAO inhibition raises monoamine levels and treats depression.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Depletion of vesicular stores of monoamines. Reserpine blocks the vesicular monoamine transporter, so noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine are depleted from nerve terminals.

Why is "Antagonism of 5-HT3 receptors" not the answer?

5-HT3 antagonism is the action of ondansetron and does not cause depression.

Why is "Blockade of postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors" not the answer?

D2 blockade is the action of antipsychotics and is not how reserpine acts.

Why is "Inhibition of monoamine oxidase" not the answer?

MAO inhibition raises monoamine levels and treats depression.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mood disorders: monoamine hypothesis and reserpine in Psychiatry. This observation supported the monoamine hypothesis of depression. Antidepressants raise synaptic monoamines in the opposite way.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Mood disorders: monoamine hypothesis and reserpine?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.