Serotonin Theory of Depression: Landmark Review Challenges Chemical Imbalance Model
Is depression really caused by low serotonin levels?
No, depression is not caused by low serotonin levels according to the most comprehensive review ever conducted. Landmark umbrella review found no convincing evidence linking depression to lowered serotonin concentration or activity.
This finding challenges the foundational theory that SSRIs work by correcting a serotonin deficiency, requiring a complete rethink of how we explain depression and its treatments.
What the data show: