Final answer:
The strongest argument for the treatment of major depression with antidepressants is that they help correct neurotransmitter imbalances, a major factor in depression. Critics question this monoamine hypothesis, as clinical improvements from antidepressants occur after a delayed period, implying other mechanisms may be involved. Nonetheless, clinical evidence supports the efficacy of a variety of depression treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strongest argument surrounding major depression and its treatment often involves the effectiveness of antidepressants. On one side, it is argued that major depression, characterized by intense sadness, mental slowing, and physical symptoms such as weight loss and disrupted circadian rhythms, is caused by decreased neurotransmitter levels such as norepinephrine and serotonin. This perspective supports the use of antidepressant medications that increase levels of these neurotransmitters. However, this view faces criticism because these medications increase neurotransmitter levels quickly, but clinical improvement takes weeks, suggesting alternative underlying mechanisms of depression such as changes in neural plasticity or inflammatory responses. Additionally, some hypothesize that an increase in neurotransmitters could be the cause, with antidepressants creating a feedback loop to normalize this.
Despite these controversies, evidence suggests that treatments including psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and medications like MAO inhibitors, which prevent neurotransmitter degradation, are effective. These treatment methods are supported by clinical studies and are currently used to address the wide range of depressive symptoms that can include long-term sadness, sleeping and eating issues, and sui_cidal thoughts.