title: Neurobiology of depression and mechanism of action of depression treatments.
abstract: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may alleviate depressive symptoms but also leave residual symptoms. The mechanism of action of SSRIs increases serotonin (5-HT) activity but decreases norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) activity. By engaging additional targets (eg, NE, DA) along with 5-HT, clinicians may help patients with residual symptoms and treatment-resistant depression. Dual-acting agents and combination strategies can be used to target specific symptoms or block/activate specific receptors for broader therapeutic benefits. Clinicians who understand the mechanism of action of antidepressants can switch or combine agents as needed to help patients achieve complete remission.
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Blier
mesh_terms: D059331:Adrenergic Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D059290:Dopaminergic Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D059326:Serotonergic Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents