A very basic explanation is that they connect with seratonin (a hormone which helps regulate mood and mental function) receptors to encourage your body to produce more seratonin and level out your hormones. However, there are dozens of different kinds of anti-depressents. Patients may trial any number of medications till they find one that works, i went through 3 personally. Each person reacts very differently.
The current theory appears to be that there is some intrinsic factor of the serotonin receptor that is responsible for the symptoms of depression. Therefore, by blocking the reuptake of serotonin (pretty much every antidepressant does this to some extent), there is more of it in the brain. This leads to a reduction in the number of receptors, which reduces the symptoms.
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