For decades, depression has often been explained as a chemical imbalance in the brain. Professor Joanna Moncrieff argues that the evidence simply doesn’t support that explanation.
In this episode of Family Talk, Lucy Johnston speaks with Joanna about the serotonin theory of depression, what antidepressants actually do and why Joanna believes their effects may be better understood as altering or blunting emotions rather than correcting an underlying abnormality.
They discuss the origins of the chemical imbalance theory, antidepressant effectiveness, emotional numbing, withdrawal, sexual side effects and long-term use.
Lucy also challenges Joanna about one of the most difficult areas of the debate: antidepressants and young people. What happens when a child or teenager is severely depressed? What about suicide and self-harm? And if medication isn’t the answer, what should we actually do?
Joanna also responds to criticism of her research, considers whether some forms of depression could have biological components, and explains why she believes mental health treatment needs a fundamental rethink.
The conversation broadens into the pressures facing people today — particularly young people — including education, employment, housing, financial insecurity and anxiety, and asks whether society has begun to medicalise some of the ordinary distress that comes with difficult lives.
A challenging and thought-provoking conversation about how we understand depression — and what that understanding means for the way we try to help people.
Please note: This episode includes discussion of suicide, self-harm and mental health difficulties.
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