Despite the popularity of the ‘chemical imbalance’ theory of depression, scientists say there is no clear evidence that serotonin levels or serotonin activity cause depression.
“The popularity of the ‘chemical imbalance’ theory of depression has coincided with a huge increase in the use of antidepressants. Prescriptions for antidepressants have risen dramatically since the 1990s, with one in six adults in England and 2% of teenagers now being prescribed an antidepressant in a given year.
Weak and inconsistent evidence suggestive of higher levels of serotonin activity in people with depression was found by studies on serotonin receptors and the serotonin transporter, the protein targeted by most antidepressants. However, the scientists say the findings are likely explained by the use of antidepressants among people diagnosed with depression, since such effects were not reliably ruled out.
The authors say their findings are important as studies show that as many as 85-90% of the public believes that depression is caused by low serotonin or a chemical imbalance. A growing number of scientists and professional bodies are recognizing the chemical imbalance framing as an over-simplification.
Source: Education Headlines (educationheadlines.net)
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