Joanna Moncrieff

Joanna Moncrieff, a leading figure in Critical and Social Psychiatry, dives deep into the misconceptions surrounding depression and antidepressants. She challenges the popular chemical imbalance theory, suggesting it lacks robust scientific backing. The discussion uncovers the minimal differences between antidepressants and placebos and critiques the subjective nature of depression diagnosis. Moncrieff also highlights the often-overlooked side effects of SSRIs, such as emotional numbness and sexual dysfunction, urging a more nuanced understanding of mental health treatments.

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.

Dr. Joanna Moncrieff is a practicing psychiatrist and a Professor of Critical and Social Psychiatry at University College London, known for her critical stance on the serotonin theory of depression. In this discussion, she debunks the chemical imbalance theory, exploring why antidepressants may not work as claimed and how expectations can shape perceived outcomes. Joanna emphasizes the need to demedicalize depression, advocating for a holistic understanding that focuses on behavior and social support, while cautioning against pharmaceutical influence on mental health narratives.