What class of medication do SSRIs belong to?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) represent a class of antidepressant medications that primarily function by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. This is achieved by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, which enhances its mood-lifting effects. SSRIs are commonly used to treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Their selective nature for serotonin also contributes to a generally more favorable side effect profile compared to other classes of antidepressants.

This differentiation is important in the context of the other classes mentioned. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, for example, work by a different mechanism, affecting the breakdown of neurotransmitters rather than selectively targeting serotonin reuptake. Antipsychotics serve primarily to treat symptoms of psychosis and are not focused on serotonin in the same manner as SSRIs. Stimulants, on the other hand, are often used for conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and do not fall under the category of medications primarily aimed at addressing mood disorders via serotonin modulation.

In summary, SSRIs specifically target serotonin reuptake, which helps in managing mood disorders effectively, distinguishing them from other classes of medications.