Anti-depressant medications react with chemicals in the brain to improve
mood, outlook, energy, and sleep patterns. Most individuals require about
12 months of treatment for uncomplicated depressions. Medication dosage
usually has to be increased slowly to minimize side effects. Some people
with severe, recurrent clinical depression do need lifetime treatment, but
this is unusual for teenagers.
Anti-depressants restore the balance of chemicals called neurotransmitters
that control mood and energy level in the brain. As depression develops,
these neurotransmitters get out of balance. Anti-depressants ensure that
adequate supplies of these neurotransmitters are available to enable you to
experience normal happiness and pleasure.