The cause of depression is said to be a chemical imbalance in the brain that controls serotonin levels. According to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, the chemical imbalance is the culprit in nearly half of all depression cases.
Researchers say that a chemical imbalance found in the brain can cause depression and is associated with the disorder.
The “chemical balance” theory of depression has been a mainstay of medical research for decades, but it still has some detractors among the general public.
Serotonin imbalance
Even though the “chemical imbalance” theory has been the predominant explanation for depression for decades, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests a different explanation.
In a recent review of decades of research, scientists from the University College in London analyzed hundreds of studies on serotonin and depression. The study covered thousands of participants and reviewed all relevant studies. In the end, researchers didn’t find any differences in depression rates between healthy and depressed subjects.
However, this doesn’t mean that antidepressants that replace the lost serotonin in the brain are useless. Many doctors still rely on this concept. In fact, one recent study found that nearly half of students in the research group have heard of the serotonin and depression connection, and this may be the reason behind this disconnect.
There was some evidence suggesting that people suffering from depression might actually have higher levels of serotonin. However, these findings were inconsistent and require more research. Plus it was based upon the studies of people who had been recently treated with antidepressants, so it’s not conclusive. This study, however, does provide a better understanding of the exact mechanisms of serotonin in the brain.
Recent meta-analyses have shown that depression and low levels serotonin are not mutually exclusive.
The role of serotonin in depression was originally proposed in the 1960s. It became the major marketing theme in the 1990s, and the pharmaceutical industry quickly responded by developing new antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Even the American Psychiatric Association endorsed the theory and released the first SSRIs. But the association is still very weak.
The findings of the latest meta-analysis showed that the relationship between low serotonin levels and depression is not a closed case. However, they do suggest that individuals with a specific gene variant are more likely to develop depression in response to a stressful life event. Moreover, this association only occurred when the stressor had occurred within a year of the study. The study is not conclusive but is an important step in understanding the cause of depression.
Today there are drugs available that can replace the brain’s loss of serotonin.
However, scientists are now saying that the chemical imbalance between the brain’s serotonin and norepinephrine levels is responsible for depression. And that the drugs that are available today can replace the lost serotonin in the brain to correct the imbalance. They claim that If the serotonin levels in the brain are too low, depression will result. That’s why there are so many antidepressants on the market today.
Scientific description of the “chemical imbalance” theory
Scientist say that the chemical imbalance causes a depressed state by changing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals affect the strength and quality of nerve signals. When nerve endings do not release enough neurotransmitter or they reabsorb it too quickly, the signals can be weak. Additionally, the receptors of the responding cell may have changed, increasing or decreasing the reception of messages. For these reasons, scientists began to consider the link between chemical imbalance and depression. They believed that there was a direct correlation between the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin.
Scientist also say that the symptoms of chemical imbalances in the brain are often accompanied by feelings of impending doom and distancing from others. Also, that these symptoms can sometimes lead to drug and alcohol abuse.
Anxiety and depression
The belief that anxiety and depression are caused by a chemical imbalance was first promoted by pharmaceutical companies. Then the idea soon gained popularity, with the pharmaceutical companies heavily promoting antidepressants that supposedly corrected the imbalance. This notion didn’t catch on right away with psychiatrists. But they continued to promote the idea, though. However today, the treatment for both conditions almost always includes medication to correct the imbalance.
However, not all therapists will be the same. It is important to find the right healthcare professional for your needs in order to heal. Even if you are already taking antidepressants, it is highly recommended that you work with a therapist with extensive experience. Some of these professionals can teach you skills and strategies without the use of medication. Some might even say in general, that the best approach is a combination of counseling, coaching, and self-help information. But It’s also best to seek a therapist who has a personal experience in dealing with this condition.
Although it isn’t proven, this theory can be used to help those with depression and anxiety.
The chemical imbalance theory is best understood as a metaphor. According to Dr. Pies, the chemical imbalance theory does not adequately describe the complex causes of depression and anxiety. The fact is that it can be a cause, but it’s still far from accurate. To avoid this pitfall, it is best to understand what causes both conditions. But regardless of the cause, a chemical imbalance theory is not a reliable explanation for either disorder.
However, though this theory is not proven, it can help people with anxiety and depression. Some people can benefit from both non-pharmacological treatments or medication. But if you want to understand how the chemical imbalance in the brain impacts our mental health, again try to find medical care from a professional who has had the same symptoms as you.
While medication can help some people, it is not a cure-all for depression. A combination of medication and non-pharmaceutical treatments may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms. These treatments are usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Treatment options
As stated earlier, it’s said that the brain’s chemicals cause depression and other mental illnesses, including mood disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders. And that the imbalance in brain chemicals can affect both children and adults. Many people have found relief from depressive symptoms through medications. However, some people prefer natural methods such as herbs and acupuncture. Learn more about these treatment options below.
Some people find medication helpful, but it’s not the only treatment for depression. It may be possible to reduce symptoms with a combination of non-pharmaceutical treatment and medication.
BetterHelp services are accessible online. It is an excellent choice for treating depression and other mental issues. The Berkeley Well-Being Institute found that online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy. A recent study revealed that 98% of BetterHelp’s users reported making significant progress with the therapy. While some users still prefer face-to-face therapy, over 70% reported a decrease in depression symptoms.
Group therapy can also help people overcome similar situations. In addition to psychotherapy, exposure to light and exercise are also important components of the treatment regimen. While these options may not completely alleviate depression, they can improve the sufferer’s quality of life and prevent it from coming back. And if the chemical imbalance is recurrent, medication will only worsen the situation.
Research on the chemical imbalance in the brain has been mixed. Currently, doctors can’t reliably diagnose a mental health disorder through chemical balance. Rather, they use symptoms of the condition to make a diagnosis. However, some studies suggest a correlation between chemical imbalance and depression symptoms. In addition, some studies point out that a chemical imbalance in the brain is not the sole cause. Therefore, treatments that target the imbalance might work more quickly than treatments that target the chemical imbalance in the brain.
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