The selective serotonm reupiake ini ibitors (SSRIs) include fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, paroxeiine and sertraline. These medications may be effective for a variety of indications. The lirature clearly supports their efficacy in some of these ccnditior in major depression. Data concerning their use in other areas clearly preliminary but promising. These include reports of treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder, atypical depression, panic disorder, premenstrual tension, eating disorders, substance use disorders, chronic pain, dementia, and personality disorders with aggressive or impulsive features. The variety of clinical uses for the SSRIs may compel re-examination of traditional diagnostic categories and theories of how anti-depressants work.