[Classification of the antidepressants (author's transl)]

The antidepressants can be classified chemically. The standard division is between the tricyclic antidepressants and the chemically heterogeneous MAOIs. Many other compounds can be included among the antidepressants, e.g. the bicyclics and possibly also the beta-stimulants, the alpha-blockers and ions such as rubidium. As regards the mechanisms of action, we have the antidepressants which act selectively upon serotonin and those which act more particularly upon noradrenaline. This notion must be extended. Dopamine may be involved in certain depressive syndromes and also other systems may have a role, such as electrolyte systems, cell permeability and the multiple influences which have a bearing upon the monoamines. Finally, the effect upon receptors and their nature are discussed. A third type of classification refers to the therapeutic spectrum of the drug. We have the sedative antidepressants, active in agitated depression and the stimulant antidepressants which are active in retarded depression. However, the two categories of antidepressants have the same global antidepressant action.