AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -SSRIs treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain nerve cells (neurons). SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons.

Detailed explanation-2: -The monoamine-deficiency theory posits that the underlying pathophysiological basis of depression is a depletion of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine in the central nervous system. Serotonin is the most extensively studied neurotransmitter in depression.

Detailed explanation-3: -The antidepressants inhibit reuptake of neurotransmitters through selective receptors thereby increasing the concentration of specific neurotransmitter around the nerves in the brain. One of such antidepressant is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which affects the brain serotonin level.

Detailed explanation-4: -For example, antidepressant drugs primarily target the monoamine neurotransmitters (i.e. serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) in an attempt to increase the presence of these monoamine neurotransmitters in the synaptic space to activate postsynaptic receptors.