ENGLISH
REFERENCE

antidepressants

n. plural-only
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌænˌtaɪdɪˈpɹɛsənts// UK //ˌæntɪdɪpɹˈɛsənts// an·tide·pres·sants

n. medicines used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. They help balance chemicals in the brain to improve your mood.

n. pharmaceutical agents primarily used to treat clinical depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. These medications typically function by modulating neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin or norepinephrine, within the central nervous system.


SIMPLE

The doctor prescribed antidepressants to help manage his anxiety.

CONTEXTUAL

Many patients find that antidepressants are most effective when combined with regular talk therapy sessions.

COMPLEX

While antidepressants can significantly alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder, finding the correct dosage and specific medication often requires several weeks of clinical observation.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually used in the plural form when referring to the class of drugs; the singular form refers to a specific type of medication.

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