One of the most effective ways to treat depression is to take anti-depressants.
Though there are a lot of other methods of treating depression, medication is the most prescribed one when you seek professional help.
To deduce how the anti- depressants work, one has to first understand the functioning of the brain.
Our brain consists of a large number of cells called neurons.
These neurons are separated from each other by a gap referred to as synapse.
The neurons communicate and pass messages between each other via chemical substances called neurotransmitters.
One neuron will discharge this chemical towards the other neuron to relay a message.
Neurotransmitters depart the sending neuron to enter into synapse before it reaches the receiving neurons.
After quickly delivering its message, the neurotransmitter will be absorbed back by the sending neuron (this is called the process of reuptake, it facilitates the reuse of the messenger neurotransmitters) or it's destroyed by enzymes.
The messages that the neurons pass amongst each other can be information about mental state, body temperature, behavioral mood swings, hunger, thirst etc.
Clinical depression sets in when the fewer of these neurotransmitters are being produced by the brain.
Anti-depressants are helpful, as they increase the amount of certain neurotransmitters, which participate in this whole message communication process.
Main types of anti-depressants are: SSRIs: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
SNRIs: serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
MAOIs: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors TCAs: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) The anti-depressants are usually prescribed for about 4-6 months and it takes about 2-4 weeks before their benefits are experienced.
Apart from these, there are other approaches which help and give relief, including a balanced diet, work-out regime and counseling.
Antidepressants have some side effects also and these side effects should be extensively discussed with your doctor.