The Thinking Mind Podcast: Psychiatry & Psychotherapy
E109 - Is Depression a Medical Illness? (w/ Prof. Joanna Moncrieff)
Jan 31, 2025
Joanna Moncrieff, a British psychiatrist and professor at UCL, shares her critical insights into the serotonin theory of depression. She discusses the lack of evidence supporting the idea that low serotonin causes depression and calls for a reevaluation of antidepressants' effectiveness. The conversation dives into the multifaceted nature of depression, emphasizing social factors and personal experiences over strict biological interpretations. Moncrieff also highlights the risks of long-term medication use, advocating for a nuanced approach to mental health that includes comprehensive support systems.
01:03:17
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast critiques the serotonin hypothesis of depression, highlighting a meta-analysis that finds no substantial evidence supporting low serotonin levels as a cause.
- Concerns are raised about the efficacy of antidepressants, suggesting their effects may be comparable to placebo, often resulting in emotional numbness.
Deep dives
The Limitations of the Serotonin Theory
The serotonin theory of depression, popularized since the 1960s, claims that low serotonin levels in the brain cause depression. A meta-analysis discussed in the episode challenges this belief, indicating that there is no substantial evidence to support the connection between serotonin levels and depression. This prevailing narrative has shaped the understanding of mental illness, leading many to believe that depression is strictly a biomedical condition that is correctable through medication. The lack of corroborating studies, especially regarding serotonin's role in depression, prompts a reconsideration of how depression is defined and treated.
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