antidepressant drugs psychology definition
Antidepressant drugs may be prescribed as a first-line treatment for depression, or in conjunction with other methods of controlling depression, such as behavioral therapy and exercise.The main types of antidepressant drugs in use today are listed below, though the drugs available change frequently.are should be used in combining these drugs with major or minor tranquilizers, or with anti-epileptic agents such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol). In 2003, one of the biggest concerns regarding new prescriptions for tricyclic antidepressants was data concerning overdoses from these drugs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders.They work by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin.elective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. pi. n. One class of psychotropic drugs usually prescribed for the treatment of depression. Although the exact mechanisms of action remain unclear, antidepressants primarily work by altering levels of various neurotransmitters (for example, serotonin) available at receptor sites in the brain.t least four distinct classes are in current clinical use: ssris (selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors), mixed-function (or dual-action agents), tricyclic acids (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Antidepressant: Anything, and especially a drug, used to prevent or treat depression. The available antidepressant drugs include the SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, MAOIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants, and others.Antidepressants should not be used unless the depression is severe and/or other treatments have failed.As with all drugs, the use of antidepressants requires monitoring for side effects, and suicide should be considered a possible side effect of the newer antidepressants, particularly in children and adolescents.he available antidepressant drugs include the SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, MAOIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants, and others. An Antidepressant is a substance, either natural or man-made, that is used to treat certain mental disorders, among them depression, anxiety, OCD, and many others.n Antidepressant is a substance, either natural or man-made, that is used to treat certain mental disorders, among them depression, anxiety, OCD, and many others. Antidepressants are generally, if not in pharmacology, considered separately from stimulants. They are usually taken as a course over several weeks, months or years, and have a delayed onset of therapeutic action. Drugs used for an immediate euphoric effect only are not generally considered antidepressants.Despite the name, antidepressants are often used in the treatment of other conditions, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and chronic pain.Some have also become known as lifestyle drugs, sometimes referred to as mood brighteners.ntidepressants are generally, if not in pharmacology, considered separately from stimulants. They are usually taken as a course over several weeks, months or years, and have a delayed onset of therapeutic action. Drugs used for an immediate euphoric effect only are not generally considered antidepressants. n.pl agents used to counteract or treat depression. antidepressants, tricyclic (TCA), n.pl a classification of antidepressant drugs used to treat a variety of psychiatric conditions, including mental depression, social phobia, and mood, panic, or obsessive-compulsive disorders, as well as other conditions.edications prescribed to relieve major depression. Classes of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine/Prozac, sertraline/Zoloft), tricyclics (amitriptyline/ Elavil), MAOIs (phenelzine/Nardil), and heterocyclics (bupropion/Wellbutrin, trazodone/Desyrel). For detail of individual antidepressants see: List of antidepressants. An antidepressant, in the most common usage, is a medication taken to alleviate clinical depression or dysthymia ('milder' depression).ntidepressants are generally, if not in pharmacology, considered separately from stimulants. They are usually taken as a course over several weeks, months or years, and have a delayed onset of therapeutic action. Drugs used for an immediate euphoric effect only are not generally considered antidepressants. Medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) are very effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms.However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychologist or other mental health professional.edications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) are very effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. antidepressants. drug used to counteract depression in humans, but sometimes used in the treatment of compulsive behavioral disorders and psychodermatosis in dogs and cats.edications prescribed to relieve major depression. Classes of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine/Prozac, sertraline/Zoloft), tricyclics (amitriptyline/ Elavil), MAOIs (phenelzine/Nardil), and heterocyclics (bupropion/Wellbutrin, trazodone/Desyrel).
A medication taken to alleviate clinical depression or dysthymia ('milder' depression).