The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think | Quanta Magazine
www.quantamagazine.org
Depression has often been blamed on low levels of serotonin in the brain. That answer is insufficient, but alternatives are coming into view and changing our understanding of the disease.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/2186597

A very readable article about chronic depression and the serotonin hypothesis.

Psychiatry seems like a very interesting field for neuroscience since there’s not really any psychiatric disease that is understood today. Lots of room for progress I guess.

  • skillissuer@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    11 months ago

    I, for one, am convinced that BDNF hypothesis is correct. It involves a single new receptor, TrkB, that all currently known antidepressants bind to

    • loopy@lemm.eeEnglish
      4·
      11 months ago

      I have never heard of that theory and research. It was really enlightening to read and seems to be pretty logical. I’ll probably revisit that later.

      In response to the main article, I have never really been a big believer in the serotonin deficiency theory. In my experience, depression was much more affected by environmental factors. When I found a clearer sense of purpose, had a safe support system, and identified & let go of people that were not helpful to my mental health, things got steadily better. And have remained better. I know medication is necessary in certain cases to maintain mental health, but I would argue that the environmental effects have a larger impact.

      This is also just a theory, but I don’t think genetics are as involved as people believe. I think genetics are base, but the genetics of depression are often really more of learned behaviors that are passed on from parents. Again, I’m positive there are some cases, but not the majority.