A review of 17 previous studies finds no evidence for a link between depression and low serotonin levels, which SSRI antidepressants focus on – though not everyone is convinced by the findings
MICHAEL W. DAVIDSON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, according to an analysis of 17 studies. This raises questions about antidepressants that focus on this brain-signalling molecule, say the authors of the analysis. Not everyone is convinced by the findings, though.
The serotonin hypothesis, which dates from the 1960s, says that a chemical imbalance in the brain, including low levels of serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, leads to depression. We now think various biological, psychological and environmental factors play a role, but the most popular antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , increase the availability of serotonin in the brain.
Moncrieff’s team found that there was no evidence that low serotonin activity or amounts cause depression. “The implication of our paper is that we do not know what [SSRI] antidepressants are doing,” says Moncrieff. One possibility is that they are working through a placebo effect, she says.at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden says a limitation of the analysis is that it didn’t distinguish between people who had ongoing depression and those who have episodes of depression, whose state at the time they were assessed could affect the functioning of their serotonin systems.
“Antidepressants are an effective, NICE-recommended treatment for depression that can also be prescribed for a range of physical and mental health conditions,” a spokesperson for the Royal College of Psychiatrists told the Science Media Centre in the UK, referring to treatment guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England. “Antidepressants will vary in effectiveness for different people, and the reasons for this are complex.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Inside SoCal: 7/17 wrap-upWe joined Newport Bay Conservancy for a kayaking trip that allows you to connect with nature, before shucking oysters and enjoying Found Oyster in East Hollywood.
Read more »
17-year-old girl shot in EnglewoodPolice said the teen was a passenger in a car in the 7300 block of South Union Avenue.
Read more »
San Antonio’s week in photos, July 11-17Each week, the San Antonio Report shares its most meaningful images as a visual account of the city's ever-evolving landscape.
Read more »
17 maxi dresses to live in all summer longComfy, chic and affordable
Read more »
SEVENTEEN Describes New Album “SECTOR 17,” Fun Anecdotes From Preparations, And MoreFor the release of their new repackaged album “SECTOR 17,” SEVENTEEN participated in an interview where they spoke about making a quick comeback, their album preparations, and more! On July 18 at 6 p.m. KST, SEVENTEEN returned with their fourth repackaged album “SECTOR 17” along with a music video for new title track “_WORLD.” The
Read more »
17-year-old dies days after central Pa. crash, coroner saysThe York County Coroner's Office said the teen lost control of his vehicle while on a curve in Adams County on July 15.
Read more »