Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Definition
SSRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that increase the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness, in the brain by preventing its reabsorption into the neurons.
Analogy
Think of SSRIs as a dam on a river. The river represents serotonin flowing through your brain. Normally, some water (serotonin) gets absorbed back into the ground (neurons). But when you build a dam (take an SSRI), more water stays in the river, increasing its overall level.
Related terms
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals from one neuron to another.
Antidepressants: Medications designed to reduce or prevent symptoms of depression.
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Practice Questions (3)
How does the monoamine theory of depression conflict with findings on the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
How does the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) support the biological perspective on treating depression?
How should a psychologist intervene when treating someone diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who is unresponsive to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
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