Antidepressant

Quick Facts

Description: Antidepressants are substances that help alleviate the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. They can improve mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration.

Mechanism of Action: Antidepressants primarily work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, which are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. Different types of antidepressants affect different neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By altering the balance of these chemicals, antidepressants can help regulate mood and emotional responses. Herbal antidepressants may have milder effects and different mechanisms, often involving multiple pathways.

Common Uses: Antidepressants are primarily used to treat clinical depression, but they can also be helpful for other conditions like anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and some chronic pain conditions. Examples of herbs with mood-supporting properties include St. John's Wort, Saffron, and Rhodiola. *It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of depression or any mood disorder.*