Antidepressant: meaning, definitions and examples
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antidepressant
[ ˌæn.ti.dɪˈprɛs.ənt ]
medication type
An antidepressant is a type of medication used to treat major depressive disorder and other conditions, such as anxiety disorders. These drugs work by altering the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. Common types include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Synonyms
antidepressant medication, mood stabilizer, psychotropic drug
Examples of usage
- She was prescribed an antidepressant to help manage her depression.
- The doctor explained how the antidepressant would affect her brain chemistry.
- Many patients experience side effects from antidepressants.
- After several weeks, the antidepressant began to take effect.
Word origin
The term 'antidepressant' first appeared in the mid-20th century, primarily in the context of pharmacology. It is derived from the combination of the prefix 'anti-', meaning against, and 'depressant', which refers to a substance that lowers mood or inhibits neural activity. The original antidepressants were discovered in the 1950s, with the introduction of tricyclic antidepressants, followed by monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Over the decades, the classification and understanding of antidepressants have evolved significantly, leading to the development of newer classes such as SSRIs in the 1980s. These advancements have played a crucial role in the treatment of depressive disorders worldwide, reflecting ongoing research in the field of psychiatry.