NO BASIS IN 'SCIENCE': Depression is NOT a 'chemical imbalance' of serotonin in the brain -- AND -- scientists have absolutely NO IDEA how antidepressants work, according to MAJOR review of DECADES of studies by University College London

   

A Decisive Blow to the Serotonin Hypothesis of Depression

An exhaustive new review debunks the “chemical imbalance” theory of depression.

Christopher Lane Ph.D. | PSYCHOLOGY TODAY 

KEY POINTS

• Surveys indicate that 85-90 percent of the public believes low serotonin or a chemical imbalance causes depression.

• Among 237 psychology students interviewed, 46 percent had heard the chemical imbalance explanation from a physician.

• The serotonin hypothesis has been challenged repeatedly and found wanting, even as it remains popular and influential.

• A comprehensive, well-powered, high-quality umbrella review now determines that the theory is “not empirically substantiated.”