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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Meaning

A class of psychotropic medications that function primarily by increasing the extracellular concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the central nervous system by inhibiting its reuptake into the presynaptic neuron. Commonly abbreviated as SSRIs, these agents are widely prescribed for the management of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and certain endocrine-related mood disturbances like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Their clinical utility stems from modulating the neurochemical environment to improve emotional regulation and stress response.