Wait, What?! Depression is Not Caused by A Chemical Imbalance?

Despite 85-90% of people believing that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance, there is no evidence that a chemical imbalance causes depression or is associated with depression. A new meta-analysis by the University College London reviewed the evidence and made headlines this week.

Check out my two unlisted videos on what causes depression: https://youtu.be/Tr1sOJn8Z1Y https://youtu.be/EmCkBCZdZ7M

Check out two videos by other creators on what causes depression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fid1L... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAC9O...

University College London's review that indicates there is no evidence for the low-serotonin hypothesis that a chemical imbalance causes depression: https://www.nature.com/articles/s4138... Researchers have known for over a decade that there is no evidence for the chemical imbalance : Johan Hari, Lost connections, the inflamed mind, "reducing the stigma but at what cost" https://guilfordjournals.com/doi/10.1..., https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-0... Do antidepressants work to treat depression: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NB...

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/c...

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.