Dear Doctor, I would like to know how exactly an anti depressant works? Primarily if the course duration for the medication is for 6 months and after that it needs to be tapered down, I would like to know whether the medicine does the job to permanently restore the chemical imbalance in the brain or it just bring it to normal balance and the person can be subject to another episode during a stressful situation after the course of the medicine. I am asking this as this is a vital information that I am not able to find answers to as I am dealing with a depression affected patient at home and would like to get more education in the background of this treatment and how long is the effect of antidepressants going to stay with the patient. Request a genuine help. Thanks and regards.