Which class of medication includes SSRIs and MAOIs?

The correct answer is indeed the class of antidepressants. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which can enhance mood and emotional regulation. MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are another class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, thus increasing the availability of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

These medications are primarily used in managing depressive symptoms and conditions classified under mood disorders, solidifying their categorization as antidepressants. The goal of both SSRIs and MAOIs is to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall emotional well-being, which supports their inclusion in this classification.

The other medication classes mentioned, such as antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers, serve different functions. Antipsychotics are used to manage symptoms of psychosis, anxiolytics primarily treat anxiety disorders, and mood stabilizers are intended to prevent mood swings in conditions such as bipolar disorder. Understanding these distinctions highlights why SSRIs and MAOIs are categorized specifically as antidepressants.