Final answer:
Citalopram is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. SSRIs are widely prescribed due to their efficacy and relatively mild side effects. Research supports their use, often in combination with psychotherapy, for more comprehensive treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medication Citalopram, mentioned in the context of 'Citalopram-Medoc SNC-psychothrope', is a part of the drug class known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are widely prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders because they inhibit the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which increases its levels in the central nervous system. This action can mitigate the symptoms of depression. Compared to older antidepressants, SSRIs like Citalopram tend to have a higher toxic dose threshold and milder side effects, making them a safer choice in many cases. Additionally, some SSRIs, such as Clomipramine, have shown efficacy in treating obsessive-compulsive disorders.
SSRIs are considered the most widely prescribed antidepressants in many countries, and include popular medications like Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), and Paroxetine (Paxil). Research has also been conducted into the neuroanatomical changes associated with SSRIs therapy, as well as their interactions with other psychotropic substances and their effects on cytokines, which could influence inflammation in the brain and have been associated with depression.
Moreover, considering the combination of psychotherapy with antidepressant medication can be integral to a more comprehensive treatment strategy for depression and anxiety disorders, as indicated by various meta-analyses.