Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by antidepressants?

Antidepressants primarily target serotonin, which plays a significant role in mood regulation. Many common antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, leading to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.

While norepinephrine is also targeted by some classes of antidepressants, especially those that are dual-action or norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, serotonin is recognized as the key neurotransmitter for the majority of foundational antidepressant medications. This robust focus on serotonin is based on its strong correlation with mood disorders, with extensive research supporting its critical role in emotional regulation and mental health.

Dopamine and acetylcholine do play roles in various neurological pathways and can influence mood and cognitive functions, but they are not as central to the treatment of depression with antidepressant medications as serotonin is. Thus, serotonin stands out as the primary target in the development and usage of antidepressants in mental health care.