The medications most frequently prescribed for uncomplicated depressive illness are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI’s. These medications increase levels of serotonin in synapses in the brain by reducing the ability of the presynaptic nerve cell to reabsorb the neurotransmitter after it is released. As far as the postsynaptic nerve cell can tell, the presynaptic cell is releasing more serotonin. Research into serotonin has taken center stage in the 1990’s due to the …showed first 75 words of 1216 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1216 total…efficacy, risks, and side effects in clinical studies, individuals often react very differently to different medications in this class. The reason for this is unknown, but probably involves genetic variation in receptors and brain physiology. Reference: Kalat, J.W. 1999. Mood Disorder In: Introduction to Psychology 5th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing Co. Belmont, CA, pp 614 – 635. Harris, R.W. 1998. The Neurobiology of Depression. Scientific American. June 1998:Featured Article. Norden, M.J. 1995. Beyond Prozac. Harper Collins Publishing, NY. 258 pp.