Chapter 17, Problem 61E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The working and side effects of Prozac and Zoloft in causing their antidepressant effects are to be discussed.

Concept Introduction:

The feeling of sadness and depression are normal human emotions. Extended or unremitting depression that interferes with normal activities can be a sign of an underlying mood disorder.

These mood disorders are often caused by biochemical imbalances in the brain that can be corrected with drugs. Clinical depression is diagnosed on the basis of some symptoms.

Clinical depression is partly caused by a deficit of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially serotonin. It appears that serotonin deficits induce adaptive changes that lead to the depressed state. If the serotonin levels are brought back to normal, the adaptive changes are reversed and depression is relieved.