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Depression related information | Depression UNDERSTAND: Get a full understanding of depression TREATMENT: Learn how therapy and lifestyle changes can help DRUGS: Common drugs used to treat depression Last Updated: 11/2/2004 Related Encyclopedia • Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) • Dysthymia • Seasonal Affective Disorder • Serotonin More... Related Healthscout Videos Pinpointing Mental Illness Meet Sue Bergeson Getting a Second Opinion Managing Bipolar Disorder More... Related Animations • Bipolar Disorder Animation More... Related Drug Information • Ambien • Avandia • Effexor XR • Paxil More... Related News Articles • Health Tip: Depression Among Seniors • Health Tip: Dealing With Depression After Pregnancy • Health Tip: Understanding Seasonal Sadness More... 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.