A current natural and applied science wellness-related topic that has
been in the news recently is how scientists have discovered that
there is no evidence that depression is linked to a chemical imbalance
in the brain or low serotonin levels. This groundbreaking study is
significant to the science and mental health communities because the
research findings contradict what most professionals in the fields had
theorized about the causes of depression. In fact, 85-90% of the
public believes that depression is caused by low serotonin or a
chemical imbalance. The study questions the use of antidepressant
medications, such as the most commonly prescribed medication class
of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which aims to
stabilize and correct serotonin levels. (Scientists find no evidence,
2022).
The researchers stated that they believe it is important that people
are aware that the notion that depression results from a “chemical
imbalance” is hypothetical. They do not have a complete
understanding of what temporarily increasing serotonin or other
biochemical changes manufactured by antidepressants do to the
brain and the implications caused by altering the biochemical makeup
in the brain. The study indicates that it is impossible to determine
whether taking SSRI antidepressants is meaningful or even entirely
safe, so patients should work with their doctors to make treatment
decisions based on the new findings (Moncrieff & Horowitz, 2022).
The study is valuable for many people because it emphasizes the
need for more studies that help determine better treatments for
depression. Finding more appropriate and beneficial treatments will
help a considerable number of people globally. The World Health
Organization approximates that over 280 million people worldwide
have depression (Depression, n.d.). Also, many individuals currently
on antidepressants may be experiencing a number of side effects
caused by the medications. There is now potential that if the
antidepressants have no therapeutic effects, then a person may be
able to work with their providers to wean off the medications safely
and, therefore, not have to deal with side effects.
References:
Moncrieff, J., & Horowitz, M. (2022, July 23). Depression is probably
not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Neuroscience News.
Retrieved July 25, 2022, from
https://neurosciencenews.com/depression-chemical-imballance-
21105/
University College London. (2022, July 25). Scientists find no evidence
that depression is caused by "chemical imbalance" or low serotonin
levels. SciTechDaily. Retrieved July 25, 2022,
from https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-find-no-evidence-that-
depression-is-caused-by-chemical-imbalance-or-low-serotonin-
levels/
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Depression. World Health
Organization. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
