Antidepressants
A number of different antidepressants work in different ways, but generally they work by raising levels of monoamine neurotransmitters
MAOI's work by preventing breakdown of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, so that all 3 of them build up
Tricyclics prevent serotonin and noradrenaline being reabsorbed after crossing synapses, increasing their levels. However these can cause side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's) like prozac and seroxat stop serotonin being reabsorbed
NRI's do the same but with noradrenaline
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
ECT is an alternative medical procedure involving administering an electric shock for a fraction of a second, inducing a 15-60 second seizure
Usually done bilaterally, so both hemispheres
A typical treatment course is 6-12 times over 2-3 weeks, it is given under anaesthetics and drugs are used to paralyse the muscles to prevent broken bones