What are the doctors hope when an anti-depressant is given to the patient?
Sep 04, 2010 in
Health FAQs
Obviously the drug is to somehow help the patient, but what are the doctors expectations when none of these drugs are "uppers", so to speak. How do they work?
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7 comments
Kaity Crime on September 4, 2010 at 6:12 am
There are two types of anti-depressants SSRIs and MAOIs. SSRIs are most commonly used any they work a lot different than an "upper" for example an upper would just be feeding you serotonin , that is the chemical off balance that makes you depressed… what you most commonly lack. On the other hand a Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) does it a bit different.
Picture hundreds of little receptors in your brain, and your brain creating three things two of that are serotonin and dopamine, these mainly controlling your depression. Then your brain shooting thoes things into the receptors to make you "happy" well some people lack proper amount of that so an SSRI Blocks about half of thoes receptors then gives you artificial serotonin to make you feel better.
So while you are starting to feel better your brain notices it is not receiving enough serotonin because it is not getting any in those blocked receptors, So you being to naturally make more and more serotonin eventually you can be weened off the anti-depressant and your brain will continue to produce a natural balance of serotonin so that you are not "manic" or crazy happy all the time or sad and "depressed" all time.
Fredrik R on September 4, 2010 at 6:12 am
anti-depressants are useful not only for depressed but also other deaseses
Time travler on September 4, 2010 at 6:12 am
You don’t need uppers when you are depressed. That would just make you speedy. Depression is a chemical imbalance in your brain. The meds they give for it bring your brain back into balance.
Ellen on September 4, 2010 at 6:12 am
The newer antidepressants help to "normalize" the chemicals in your brain which have an effect on your moods. These medications do not make people feel Happy or High…they simply bring them back to a normal level, or closer to a normal chemical balance, so that they can function again. I have been taking antidepressants since 1992 and am able to work at a full time job, maintain my family and have a normal life again.
Mrs. K on September 4, 2010 at 6:12 am
Depression is caused by a chemical deficiency in the brain. A lack of serotonin. Anti-depressants help to raise serotonin levels that help people to not be so depressed. Exercise also helps raise serotonin levels. Doctors give out pills because they are a quick fix to a deeper problem. Therapy is key, talk out what is depressing you, it really helps to relieve your depression and sadness.
john carcerano psych counselor on September 4, 2010 at 6:12 am
antidepressants work on the serotonin chemical in the brain. they are called SSRI drugs. SSRI is short for selective serotonin uptake inhibitor. they inhibit the re uptake of serotonin that circulates in your body and goes to the brain. sounds confusing huh. of course there are other antidepressants that work differently but SSRI’s are the main type. you don’t use speed to snap out of depression. that would bring on anxiety along with the depression.
Hopefully Helpful on September 4, 2010 at 6:12 am
The doctor hopes the medication will help make it easier for you to do the day to day activities that everyone does.
These can include, self-hygiene, socializing, working and finding pleasure in your life.
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