Depression
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric
disorders.
Symptoms
of depression are often subtle and unrecognized
both by patients and physicians.
The
brain contains a network of interconnected nerve
cells called neurons. The junction between the
neurons is called the synaptic junction.
The
transmission of impulses from one neuron to
another is facilitated by chemicals called
neuro-transmitters.
The
impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters
from one neuron, which cross the synaptic junction
and attach themselves to the receptors in the
adjacent neuron sending the message through.
Later
the neurotransmitter returns to the initial neuron
via the reuptake channel.
One of
the causes of depression is believed to be the
depletion of the amine neurotransmitters,
serotonin and norepinephrine.
The anti
depressant drugs increase the availability of
neurotransmitters at the synaptic junction by
blocking the reuptake channel.
|