A recent review of studies took over headlines in psychiatry. The media claimed that it “debunked” the serotonin hypothesis of depression and made antidepressants invalid. Yet, there were three major caveats to that conclusion.
One of the biggest issues was the fact that the researchers were measuring a biological marker against symptoms and using scales not validated to correlate with physiological effects.
Second, the authors did find evidence that antidepressants did help some people with depression.
Finally, clinical experience of psychiatrists and other integrative doctors have had success with serotonin supporting interventions. (They also understand it’s not the sole solution.)
So, how can we really hold that there is no correlation between serotonin and depression?
We can’t.
In my latest article and video, I explore why the serotonin hypothesis shouldn’t hold all the weight in mood disorders, but that serotonin does play an important part in brain health and function.
Topics include:
- Why we need a new way to treat mental health
- The integrative approach to psychiatric disorders
- A review of the foundational factors for brain health
- Three ways depression is linked to serotonin (brain receptors regions, methylation, and inflammation)
- Other theories of depression in the literature (dopamine and metabolic)
- A summary on why there is no “golden ticket” to treating depression
If you or someone you love is affected by mental health, empower yourself with this essential information.
You may also want to share this article with your mental health provider and/or wellness team.
Click here to access this important knowledge.
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.
