Antidepressants are medications used for the treatment of moderate to severe depression. They are also prescribed in many psychological conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), bulimia nervosa, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some antidepressants may also be used to relieve symptoms of menopause.
Depression affects the level of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephrine). And antidepressants work by increasing the levels of these chemicals to improve mood and emotions in depressed individuals. They do not cure depression because they do not address the cause of depression. But they can significantly reduce the symptoms of severe depression. Antidepressants also act on the nerves that receive pain signals hence may help to relieve prolonged pain in depressed people.
There are different types of antidepressants such as serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. Each type of antidepressant acts on influencing the levels of one or more neurotansmitters. They are generally prescribed in combination with additional therapy (cognitive behavioural therapy or meditation) to reduce stress. Common side-effects of antidepressants include drowsiness, nausea, insomnia, constipation and dizziness. Prolonged use of antidepressants can have negative health impact.
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If you are diagnosed with depression, just take a deep breath and join yoga classes.
Response to antidepressants varies greatly, and side effects are common.
Children of mothers using antidepressants during pregnancy are at high risk of speech or language disorders.
Scientists have discovered a new pathway in brain that can be manipulated to alleviate depression.
Researchers have discovered a reason why anti-depressants can take up to two months to work, and their finding could help scientists develop faster-acting drugs in the future.
Antidepressant use during pregnancy has been associated with a number of fetal and developmental complications and now, a new study has found that it can affect brain activity in newborns.
According to a recent study, most available antidepressants do not help children and teenagers with serious mental health problems and some may be unsafe.
Severe depressive symptoms can decrease your chances of becoming pregnant, says a study.
Are you wondering what you should expect during your treatment for depression? Read this before you approach a psychiatrist.
The findings showed that infants exposed to anti-depressants during two or more trimesters weighed 205 grams less .
Mothers-to-be please take note! Excessive use of anti-depressants during pregnancy may lengthen the umbilical cord, exposing the foetus to a lack of oxygen and other health problems, new research warns.
Women taking antidepressants during pregnancy, please take note. Researchers have warned that exposure to these pills during gestation period is likely to increase depression in kids by early adolescence.
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