Episode 107 | Serotonin Theory of Depression

In July 2022 an article entitled "The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence” was published and found "no consistent evidence of there being an association between serotonin and depression, and no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by lowered serotonin activity or concentrations". The results of this study hit the media and social media rather quickly and many inaccurate conclusions were drawn, people questioned everything they believed about why they were depressed, and the utility and effectiveness of serotonin was questioned. In today's episode of Psych Talk, I summarize the findings of the article, discussed the chemical imbalance theory, and more specifically the serotonin theory of depression, and discuss why these results are not actually shocking to those of us in the mental health field. I also highlight the inaccurate conclusions being drawn from the studies and future directions for where we need to go from here. The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence Ways to Work With Me: Mind Over Matter LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass Be a guest on my podcast Resources: Anti-Racism Resources LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting Connect with Me: Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd Follow the podcast on IG @psych.talk.podcast Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through Intro/Outro Music: Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod Music License Awakening Together, Relaxing into Happiness with William Cooper, M.Th., LPC Experience Awakening....Relaxing into your Being and, therefore, Happiness. William has... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show