University of Central Florida (UCF) ZOO3744 Neurobiology Practice Exam 2

The primary role of antidepressants is to treat depression by modifying the levels and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are crucial in regulating mood, emotions, and overall mental health. Antidepressants work by either increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters or enhancing their effects, which can lead to improved mood and relief from depressive symptoms.

Antidepressants encompass various classes, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and others, each with different mechanisms of action but all aiming to alleviate depression by addressing neurotransmitter imbalances. By focusing on neurotransmitter levels, antidepressants directly address one of the underlying biochemical components contributing to depressive disorders, making them a key therapeutic strategy in mental health treatment.