PsychologyAugust 4, 2026
paroxetine
puh-ROK-suh-teen
Definition
A specific type of antidepressant medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), commonly prescribed to treat social anxiety disorder.
Etymology
The name is a portmanteau derived from its chemical structure: 'par-' from the phenyl group, 'ox-' from oxygen, and '-etine' referring to its classification as an antidepressant of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor class.
In the news
The article identifies paroxetine as the most effective first-line medication for reducing symptom severity in patients with social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder: first-line therapy, medication, and comorbid disorders.
Read the full article ↗Psychology Today