Many who take medication for depression may be addressing a problem that doesn’t exist, according to new research.
For decades, a common treatment for depression has been to correct a serotonin imbalance in the brain with a drug called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). However, new research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry stated that there is no connection between serotonin levels and depression.
However, the announcement, based on research from University College London, should not cause people to stop taking their medication, according to Carla Schnitzlein, DO, medical director of natchau Hospital, part of Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network.
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More research is needed
“My first reaction to any reported study that ‘debunks’ something in science is to read it at its source. When I read the study, I was impressed by his methods. That said, a single study, even an ‘overall study’ like this one, is not always the last word on the subject,” said Dr. Schnitzlein. “I hope this inspires more research on depression and all of its contributing factors.”
The researchers, writing “research on serotonin receptors and the serotonin transporter, the protein most antidepressants target, found weak and inconclusive evidence suggesting higher levels of serotonin activity in people with depression,” they said the antidepressants were intended to “restore the chemical balance of the brain. ” could actually cause the imbalance.
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the real culprit
Instead, they pointed to stressful life events as predictors of depression. Dr. Schnitzlein said medical experts need to determine why antidepressants help the condition if the answer isn’t serotonin levels.
“I hope that this study encourages readers to formulate hypotheses broadly and challenge even the deepest convictions about depression,” she said.
In the meantime, people taking SSRIs should talk to their provider about continuing if they have concerns.
“If someone with depression has seen minimal effect from their SSRI after a proper trial, this study is a talking point,” said Dr. Schnitzlein. “There may be better drug options or other things to try.”
Other non-drug suggestions to help ease depression, he said, include:
