National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What are Mono Amino Oxidase Inhibitors primarily used for?

1. To manage chronic pain

2. To alleviate anxiety

3. To treat depression

4. To control seizures

The correct answer is: To treat depression

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are primarily used to treat depression. They work by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. By preventing this breakdown, MAOIs increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. The other options are less relevant to the primary uses of MAOIs. While chronic pain management may involve various medications, it is not a typical indication for MAOIs. Similarly, although some anxiety disorders can be treated with antidepressants, antidepressant therapy is generally not the first line for anxiety compared to other medication classes. Lastly, while some medications are indeed used to control seizures, MAOIs do not have this indication and are not effective for this purpose. This demonstrates that the primary focus of MAOIs is on treating depression.