An<unk>  is a psychiatric medication or other substance (nutrient or herb) used for alleviating depression or dysthymia ('milder' depression). Drug groups known as MAOIs, tricyclics and SSRIs are particularly associated with the term. These medications are now amongst the drugs most commonly prescribed by psychiatrists and general practitioners, and their effectiveness and<unk> verse effects are the subject of many studies and competing claims. An example of an herbal remedy that is an<unk> is St John's Wort. Nutrients that are<unk>  include phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, and choline.
Most<unk>  have a delayed onset of action and are usually taken over the course of weeks, months or years. They are generally considered distinct from stimulants, and drugs used for an immediate euphoric effect only are not generally considered<unk> . Despite the name,<unk>  are often used in the treatment of other conditions, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders and chronic pain. Some have also become known as lifestyle drugs or "mood brighteners". Other medications not known as<unk> , including antipsychotics in low doses and benzodiazepines, are also widely used to manage depression.
The term<unk> is sometimes applied to any therapy (e.g. psychotherapy, electro-convulsive therapy, acupuncture) or process (e.g. sleep disruption, increased light levels, regular exercise) found to improve clinically depressed mood. An inert placebo tends to have a significant<unk> effect, so establishing something as an<unk> in a clinical trial involves demonstrating a significant<unk> ditional effect.
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Antipsychiatry
Tricyclic antidepressant
Anxiolytics
Atypical antipsychotics
Mood stabilizer
Depressant