What is the therapeutic effect of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)?

A. Decreased sweating: SSRIs can actually cause increased sweating (hyperhidrosis) as a side effect, rather than reducing it. Sweating is a common autonomic effect of serotonin modulation. B. Decreased energy: SSRIs may initially cause fatigue or somnolence in some clients, but reduced energy is not the therapeutic goal. Energy changes are generally transient and not indicative of treatment success. C. Improved mood: SSRIs increase serotonin availability in the central nervous system, which helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of depression. Improvement in mood, motivation, and affect reflects the primary therapeutic effect. D. Improved blood flow: SSRIs do not directly alter vascular perfusion. While serotonin has some peripheral vascular effects, enhancing blood flow is not a clinical outcome or therapeutic goal of SSRI therapy.