British researchers discover the real cause of depression

HealthWeb Desk July 22, 2022

Contrary to popular belief, depression is not the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain

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A woman lowered her head. For representation only. - Reuters

For decades it was thought that people suffered from depression because the brain chemical serotonin was out of balance. However, University College London analyzed previous research reports and found no clear evidence that serotonin levels or chemical activity predispose to depression.

This study looked at the relationship between depression and serotonin activity in thousands of people.

"Many people take antidepressants because they have been led to believe that their depression has a biochemical cause, but this new study shows that assumptions are not based on evidence," Professor Joanna Moncrieff, the study's lead author, said in a statement.

But now a new study calls into question the use of sedatives.

Serotonin, a chemical that plays a large role in mood, sleep, digestion, and other bodily functions, has been considered a major cause of depression for years. Therefore, sedatives are prescribed to patients to increase the levels of these chemicals in the brain.