Premenstrual Disorders

neurons : Nerve cells.

Antidepressants affect the way the brain functions as it sends messages throughout the nervous system by way of neurons . Each message your brain

sends moves from neuron to neuron. The neurons are not con- nected; in fact, a small gap, called a synapse, lies between each neuron. Messages move across the gaps by way of chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters, once their job of relaying the message is accomplished, are partially broken down and sent as waste to the kidneys. The remaining neurons are reabsorbed into the nerve by a process called reuptake. Serotonin is just one of the neurotransmitters that relay mes- sages within the brain, but it is the one that affects our moods and emotions. By forcing the neurotransmitter to remain in the synapse

Neurotransmitters moving across the synapse between two neurons.

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Premenstrual Disorders •