Depression is one of the most widespread mental disorders globally and affects more than 350 million people of all ages. It is characterized by disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, sadness, poor concentration and guilt. There are various types of depression that last a long time and others that constantly recur (World Health Organization, 2012). Severe symptoms of depression that inhibit the ability to work, sleep, and eat are classified as major depression; this form of depression can occur once in a lifetime, however in some circumstances it can occur more often. Persistent depressive disorder can last up to 2 years; symptoms may resemble major depression along with episodes of less severe symptoms. Psychotic depression is a form of severe depression when a person begins to hallucinate and have delusions. Postpartum depression is experienced by women after birth, physical and hormonal changes can lead to depression. Seasonal affective depression (SAD) usually occurs during the winter due to less sunlight. Another major type of depression is bipolar disorder which is classified as changes in mood, such as from extremely high moods to extremely low moods (National Institute of Mental Health, 2011). The prevalence of depression was analyzed in 8449 individuals aged 15 to 40 years, the results showed that depression was commonly found in white males and females compared to black and Mexican males and females (Stephanie et al, 2005 ). Physiological symptoms of depression include a change in mood that involves an individual feeling sad, lonely, irritable, anxious, and suicidal with negative self-perception related to guilt. Physical changes involve anorexia due to loss of appetite, constipation, changes in ... middle of paper ... sedative medications are needed to relieve symptoms. Many antidepressants work by increasing levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the synapse. TCAs, SSRIs and SNRIs are equally successful in depressed patients, however they differ in terms of side effects. Due to the benefits of drug treatment and minimal variation in antidepressant efficacy, the choice of drug available for patients with depression remains a choice based on patient characteristics and treatment deemed safe with less severe side effects. Antidepressants used today inhibit the role of serotonin and norepinephrine transporters, thus preventing the reuptake of targeted neurotransmitters. Although TCAs are much cheaper to administer to patients, the overall rate of patients who do not suffer from depression is significantly lower than those who are prescribed SSRIs.