Serotonin & Depression: Explaining the Chemical Imbalance Theory | Episode 7

Empowering Minds

MHE Jr. Communication Officer Margi Marchetti interviews Dr. Mark Horowitz, one of the authors of the paper "The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence," published in the scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry on the 20th of July 2022. The review shows that “there is no convincing evidence that depression is associated with, or caused by, lower serotonin concentrations or activity.”

In this episode of Empowering Minds, Mark Horowitz explains in an accessible way the background and the findings of the paper, allowing the general public to access the scientific truth behind the chemical imbalance theory and therefore promoting an informed and critical perspective on SSRIs.

***DISCLAIMER*** This podcast aims to inform people about the much discussed review paper by Joanna Moncrieff, Mark Horowitz and colleagues, which confirmed that there is no evidence to support the chemical imbalance theory of depression. The lack of evidence linking depression with low serotonin levels has reiterated the message that has been clear for some time and this message has been amplified by the extensive media coverage the article received. Mental Health Europe does not wish to dictate whether people should or should not take SSRI antidepressants. It is crucial for anyone considering SSRI antidepressants to make informed decisions about their recovery paths. This podcast makes the paper's findings understandable for the general public.