What is the primary purpose of antidepressants in treatment?

The primary purpose of antidepressants is to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Antidepressants are designed to affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which play significant roles in regulating mood and emotional response. By helping to restore the balance of these chemicals, antidepressants can effectively reduce symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other cognitive and physical symptoms associated with depression.

While some might seek immediate relief from stress or increased cognitive function, these are not the main aims of antidepressant therapy. Additionally, although some antidepressants may affect sleep patterns, promoting sleep without side effects is not a primary function. This makes the focus of antidepressant treatment clear: it is specifically geared towards addressing and reducing the impact of depressive symptoms over time.