Which of the following is a major class of antidepressants?

• A. SSRIs
• B. Antipsychotics
• C. Anxiolytics
• D. Beta blockers

Answer: (A)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a major class of antidepressants. They work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, which increases serotonin availability at the synapse and helps improve mood in many people with depression. SSRIs are commonly used as first-line treatment for major depressive disorder and are also effective for various anxiety disorders. Examples include fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, and escitalopram. They tend to have a favorable safety profile, though side effects can include nausea, sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction, and, rarely, serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Antipsychotics are primarily used for psychosis and mood stabilization, anxiolytics treat anxiety symptoms, and beta blockers address cardiovascular symptoms and some anxiety-related physical symptoms; none of these comprise the primary class of antidepressants.