How are the primary mechanisms of most antidepressant drugs ...

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How are the primary mechanisms of most antidepressant drugs potentially related to the neurotrophic theory of mood disorders?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are the primary clinical differences among the newer antidepressants, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and one of the oldest classes of antidepressants called the tricyclics?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

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Answer to Question 1

Since serotonin and norepinephrine play pivotal roles in the homeostasis of neural tissue and protection or promotion of recovery from neural damage, antidepressants, by increasing monoaminergic activity (e.g., inhibiting reuptake or inhibiting monoamine inactivation), are proposed to enhance neurogenesis and neuronal growth (e.g., through stimulation of BDNF).

Answer to Question 2

Although the clinical efficacy of these two classes in terms of reducing the core symptoms of depression is equivalent, SSRIs produce far fewer disturbing side effects than tricyclics (e.g., sedation, anticholinergic effects, hypotension, cardiac effects, seizures, weight gain). The therapeutic index (the ratio of lethal dose to clinically effective dose) of SSRIs is much greater than with tricyclics, making them much more difficult to overdose on.