Depression & Serotonin Levels: Getting it Right
There's an important article I'd like to draw your attention to: Jonathan Leo and Jeffrey R. Lacasse, "The Media and the Chemical Theory of Depression." Here's the abstract:
"The cause of mental disorders such as depression remains unknown. However, the idea that neurotransmitter imbalances cause depression is vigorously promoted by pharmaceutical companies and the psychiatric profession at large. We examine media reports referring to this chemical imbalance theory and ask reporters for evidence supporting their claims. We then report and critique the scientific papers and other confirming evidence offered in response to our questions. Responses were received from multiple sources, including practicing psychiatrists, clients, and a major pharmaceutical company. The evidence offered was not compelling, and several of the cited sources flatly stated that the proposed theory of serotonin imbalance was known to be incorrect. The media can play a positive role in mental health reporting by ensuring that the information reported is congruent with the peer-reviewed scientific literature."
Here's the link: http://www.springerlink.com/content/u37j12152n826q60
Patrick S. O'Donnell
Yep. This is a good paper. I first saw it mentioned over at Clinical Psychiatry & Psychology Blog.
The truth is there is a tremendous amount we don't know about the causes of depression and exactly how serotonin mediates it. The SSRIs are undoubtedly effective, but exactly how serotonin operates and what it does is unclear. We know that it has a pronounced effect on mood -- but the details are entirely fuzzy.
This, I think, is important to remember.
Posted by: Daniel S. Goldberg | February 07, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Daniel,
I suspect that's where I first saw the paper as well (I forgot where I found it), so thanks to them!
Posted by: Patrick S. O'Donnell | February 07, 2008 at 02:12 PM