antidepressant
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antidepressant
A medication from the group of psychotropic drugs that is used to treat depression and other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, in order to improve mood and relieve symptoms.
Der Arzt hat ihm ein modernes Antidepressivum mit wenigen Nebenwirkungen verschrieben.
The doctor prescribed him a modern antidepressant with few side effects.
The word is made up of the prefix 'anti-' (against) and the stem of 'Depression' (depression). So an 'Antidepressivum' (antidepressant) is literally a remedy 'against depression.'
Die Forschung entwickelt ständig neue Antidepressiva.
Research is constantly developing new antidepressants.
The prefix 'anti-' is used in many German words to express an opposing attitude or effect. When you see this prefix, you can often infer the meaning of the word, for example in 'Antikörper' (antibody) or 'Antipathie' (antipathy).
Das Immunsystem bildet Antikörper, um Viren zu bekämpfen.
The immune system forms antibodies to fight viruses.
In a medical context, this word is often used with certain verbs. A doctor can 'verschreiben' (prescribe) an antidepressant, a patient can 'einnehmen' (take) or 'nehmen' (take) it, and the medication can 'wirken' (work/take effect).
Sie muss das Antidepressivum jeden Morgen einnehmen.
She has to take the antidepressant every morning.
'Antidepressivum' (antidepressant) is a technical term from medicine and pharmacy. You will mainly find it in conversations with doctors, in pharmacies, or in specialist texts.
Die Packungsbeilage informiert über die Wirkung des Antidepressivums.
The package leaflet provides information about the effect of the antidepressant.
psychotropic drug
'das Antidepressivum' and 'das Psychopharmakon' both refer to medications that affect the psyche. The difference is how specific they are: an 'Antidepressivum' is a specific type of 'Psychopharmakon', mainly used to treat depression and similar conditions. A 'Psychopharmakon' is the more general term for various medications used for mental or neurological illnesses. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Antidepressivum' is a 'Psychopharmakon'. But not every 'Psychopharmakon' is an 'Antidepressivum'.
Die Ärztin erklärt, wie das Antidepressivum eingenommen werden soll.
The doctor explains how the antidepressant should be taken.
Vor der Behandlung spricht der Arzt genau über das Psychopharmakon und mögliche Nebenwirkungen.
Before the treatment, the doctor discusses the psychotropic drug and possible side effects in detail.