Description/Abstract
For decades, those diagnosed with depression have been told they suffer from a “chemical imbalance.” This explanation involves neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, thought to be the main neurochemical responsible for major depressive disorders. Growing research challenges this theory and the need for medication therapies for depressive symptoms. This brief summarizes new findings examining the theory that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance and calls for healthcare professionals and patients to consider the market influences and social structures that impact health.
Document Type
Issue Brief
Keywords
Mental Health, Depression
Disciplines
Mental and Social Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Date
1-24-2023
For More Information
Language
English
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Alexandra Punch and Shannon Monnat for providing feedback and edits on prior versions of this brief.
Recommended Citation
Brown, Austin. (2023). The End of the “Chemical Imbalance” Theory of Depression - What Now? Lerner Center Population Health Research Brief Series. 206. https://surface.syr.edu/lerner/206
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
