A general psychopharmacological classification of
drugs used in fairly severe depressive disorders. The most common are tricyclic
compounds and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Some classification systems include
the amphetamines as antidepressants, although they are more commonly grouped
with the stimulants; others include lithium because of its use in the treatment
of manic-depressives. See Lithium; Tranquilizers, major; Tranquilizers, minor.