Depression is a condition that affects both the mind and the body; it has symptoms that can be debilitating if not treated that are mostly conditions of the brain. These symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, insomnia and anxiety. These feelings can make even doing the smallest task or making a decision extremely difficult and in some cases there are even suicidal thoughts.
The treatment for depression is the use of antidepressants and they help to balance the chemicals in the brain that are created by the neurotransmitters in the brain that are released and stimulate the nerves bt sending signals to the brain. Two of the neurotransmitters are serotonin and norepinephrine that have both been linked with depression. Research has shown there are abnormalities in these transmitters that can cause the symptoms of depression.
The mood of a person is directly affected by the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain, and antidepressants that have both reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers are able to perform two functions. The first is the receptor blocker is able to block the neurotransmitters from bonding to the receptors in the nerves. Then the reuptake inhibitors prevent the neurotransmitters from reaching the receptors. This leaves more of the neurotransmitters in the brain, which causes a relaxed mood and stops the feeling of sadness. These are known as dual action antidepressants.
Antidepressants are not a cure for depression, but they are a way to relieve the symptoms of the disorder. This is a way to continue with a normal life and without treatment the condition can become debilitating, changing every aspect of life. The combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy can make life more normal even when dealing with depression. |
Lithium Antidepressant Information
