British Medical Journal (The BMJ)“No Convincing Evidence” That Depression is Caused by Low Serotonin Levels, Say Study Authors

The idea that depression is brought on by decreased serotonin activity or concentrations is unsupported, according to the authors of a systematic umbrella review, who also challenge the rationale behind the high rates of antidepressant prescription. They claim that certain medical professionals continue to promote the incorrect chemical imbalance explanation of depression, and the public as a whole still accepts it. However, other medical professionals argue that antidepressants continue to be a helpful treatment option for patients in addition to other methods like talking therapy and that the idea that depression is caused by a straightforward chemical imbalance is outdated in any case.