Final answer:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) treat depression by increasing the level of norepinephrine and serotonin. (option D is the correct answer)
Step-by-step explanation:
Depression is commonly treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs increase the level of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron. This increases the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and helps alleviate the symptoms of depression.
Tricyclics (Option A) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (Option C) also impact norepinephrine and serotonin levels, but SSRIs are generally preferred due to their better side effect profile. Benzodiazepines (Option B) are not typically used as primary antidepressants; they are more commonly associated with the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) stand out among the options for treating depression as they primarily increase serotonin levels, contributing to their efficacy and favorable side effect profile in comparison to other antidepressant classes.