SSRIs: How They Work
click here for an overview of neural communication

click here for information about the effects of long-term administration of antidepressant drugs on the serotonergic system

Serotonin, also known as 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine), is one type of neurotransmitter. It is thought to have many effects involving the regulation of mood, control of eating, sleeping arousal, and pain. Its role in mood regulation is particularly pertinent in depression. People who suffer from depression have lower than normal levels of serotonin. Granted correlation does not prove causation, but it would appear that increasing serotonin levels in the brain might alleviate symptoms of depression.