What class of medications do MAOIs belong to?

MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, belong to the class of antidepressants. They function by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By preventing the degradation of these neurotransmitters, MAOIs help to increase their levels in the brain, which can alleviate symptoms of depression.

This mechanism differentiates MAOIs from other classes of psychiatric medications, such as antipsychotics, stimulants, and anti-anxiety medications, each of which targets different pathways or symptoms within mental health treatment. Antipsychotics primarily address symptoms of psychosis, stimulants are mainly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, while anti-anxiety medications primarily aim to reduce anxiety symptoms. Understanding the specific action and purpose of MAOIs helps clarify their role in treating depressive disorders, confirming their classification as antidepressants.