how depression and antidepressants work?
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There are many types of antidepressants that are organized into categories and all function a little differently. One of the most widely prescribed categories are the SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It’s not known exactly how antidepressants work, but what the name means is, these antidepressants work on the neurotransmitter serotonin, a brain chemical that is responsible for us feeling happy and good. The “reuptake” part is for the process of serotonin where it gets reabsorbed into the brain, and the SSRI inhibits this process to some extent (hence selective) so that some of the serotonin remains in the brain longer. So in an ELI5 way, they make the happy chemicals stay in the brain longer. Other antidepressants might work on different chemicals, such as the SNRI, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, does both of those chemicals.
It’s been said for many years that depression is caused by a “chemical imbalance in the brain” (and antidepressants would restore the balance) but we know now that this is either an outdated or oversimplified way of explaining it. Research into depression is ongoing, but genetics is a major factor in predicting for depression. That, combined with certain traumatic experiences, can make someone susceptible to depression, and the exact brain mechanisms that cause the depressive state are probably highly variable.
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