Antidepressant drugs are medicines that relieve symptoms of mental depression. They are used to treat serious, continuing mental depression that interferes with a person's ability to function. Everyone feels sad, "blue," or discouraged occasionally, but usually those feelings do not interfere with everyday life and do not need treatment. However, when the feelings become overwhelming and last for weeks or months, professional treatment can help. Although depression is one of the most common and serious mental disorders, it is also one of the most treatable. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 80-90% of people with depression can be helped. If untreated, depression can lead to social withdrawal, physical complaints, such as fatigue, sleep problems, and aches and pains, and even suicide.

The first step in treating depression is an accurate diagnosis by a physician or mental health professional. The physician or mental health professional will ask...