What class of drugs are primarily used for the treatment of depression?

The class of drugs primarily used for the treatment of depression is antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. SNRIs also increase the levels of serotonin but additionally enhance norepinephrine levels, providing a broader mechanism of action that can benefit some patients.

These medications are specifically designed to target the neurochemical imbalances often associated with depressive disorders and have been extensively studied for their efficacy and safety in treating various types of depression. Their usage is guided by the presence and severity of depressive symptoms, and they are considered a first-line treatment due to their favorable therapeutic profile and lower risk of addiction compared to other classes.

Other drug classes, while having their own therapeutic uses, are not primarily aimed at treating depression. Antipsychotics are generally used for managing psychosis or severe mental illness, benzodiazepines are primarily used for their anxiolytic effects and to manage anxiety or panic disorders, and stimulants are typically prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. Thus, antidepressants are the most