Which class of antidepressants blocks the reuptake of serotonin into the nerve terminal of the CNS?

The correct class of antidepressants that blocks the reuptake of serotonin into the nerve terminal of the CNS is the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by specifically targeting the serotonin transporter, which is responsible for the reabsorption of serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron. By inhibiting this transporter, SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission. This mechanism is thought to contribute to their efficacy in treating depression and anxiety disorders.

The other classes mentioned have different mechanisms of action. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, while Atypical Antidepressants may affect various neurotransmitter systems but do not primarily focus on blocking serotonin reuptake. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) work by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down monoamines (including serotonin), leading to increased levels of these neurotransmitters, but they do not block reuptake. Thus, SSRIs are specifically the class that directly inhibits the reuptake of serotonin.