Serotonin Theory

Serotonin Theory

Articles tagged with "Serotonin Theory".

Chemical Imbalance Theory: Was It Really Just an 'Urban Legend'?

Tags: Chemical Imbalance Theory, Serotonin Theory, Psychiatric History, Medical Misinformation

November 23, 2025

Was the Chemical Imbalance Theory Really Never Taken Seriously by Psychiatrists?

A comprehensive investigation published in SSM - Mental Health reveals that leading psychiatrists and influential textbooks actively endorsed the serotonin theory of depression between 1990 and 2010, contradicting recent claims by prominent psychiatrists that the chemical imbalance theory was merely an “urban legend” never taken seriously by the profession. The study by Benjamin Ang, Mark Horowitz, and Joanna Moncrieff demonstrates that psychiatry bears significant responsibility for disseminating the theory and its associated antidepressant use.

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Serotonin Theory of Depression: Landmark Review Challenges Chemical Imbalance Model

Tags: Serotonin Theory, Depression Causes, Chemical Imbalance, Umbrella Review

November 23, 2025

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:

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