Did Our Whole View on Depression Just Come Undone?
A new analysis of a review of studies was recently released that created quite a stir in psychiatry. Headlines proclaimed that its conclusions officially “debunked” the whole serotonin hypothesis of depression.
However, to many in the field of mental health, the fanfare was an overdone repeat of an age-old story. In fact, many psychologists and psychiatrists had been aware for some time of various evidence that demonstrated that depression is not a simple theory with one cause.
Yet, the study remains a hot topic. It ignited a broader flame to the public that our approach to mental health, its treatments, and what is currently known about it is lacking. Specifically, our interventions are deficient in efficacy, access of care, and strong scientific validation.
In my latest article and video, I review the significance of this “hot” study and how it sheds a light on the flaws in our approach to mental health, depression, treatment, medication, and the science of psychiatry in general.
Topics include:
- The sad state of mental health in America
- The crash of the one “miracle” pill for a mental ill
- A review of the recent study, including:
- what the media said that was true and what was exaggerated
- what the researchers concluded that was important and got no attention
- limitations to the study’s design, and psychology research in general
- The many brain health factors to consider for mental health
- Why mental health should never be treated solely with a single medication
Click here to learn more.
A Different Approach to Mental Health
One of the most obvious, yet ignored, aspect of depression and any psychiatric diagnosis is it is defined as a cluster of symptoms, not a disease that can be measured. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious on basing too broad conclusions on what was reported in the recent study.
Though a pill that acts on one neurochemical pathway can be helpful for some, treating mental health as a brain health issue can allow for a comprehensive, personalized approach far more helpful than suppressing a symptom or manipulating an undefined marker.
What is needed in psychiatry and psychology is an exploration of all the brain health factors related to mood and mental disorders and taking an integrative approach.
If you or someone you love is affected by mental health, empower yourself with this essential information by clicking here.
In a follow up post, I’ll be addressing the various factors that can impact mental health and depression from an integrative perspective, including where serotonin fits in. Stay tuned!
Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Resources for Hormonal, Mood, and Digestive Support
- Free resources and more education on essential oils and mind-body wellness are available to you here.
- Tools for coping with isolation and separation.
- An Integrative Mental Health and Stress Resource Guide.
- My free online essential oils database.
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Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.