> We know sure that neurotransmitters have a role in mental health
While they have a "role", differences in neurotransmitter levels do not predict mental health state.
My understanding is that "chemical imbalance" theory was a popular misunderstanding of a more limited and specific theory called the ”catecholamine hypothesis" which has itself been pretty much debunked.
For decades the explanatory psychiatric theory behind depression has been the the "bio-psycho-social" model. While we know that biology is an import part of the picture, that part can include a bunch of different factors besides neurochemi cals, such as possibly inflammation, neuron growth factors and more.
> Equating depression to monoamine derangement was a very attractive notion for all but in 30 years remains unproven, and not very helpful in guiding treatment.
I believe that theory has been mostly disproven, but that doesn't change solid evidence behind the efficacy antidepressants that were developed using that theory.
While they have a "role", differences in neurotransmitter levels do not predict mental health state.
My understanding is that "chemical imbalance" theory was a popular misunderstanding of a more limited and specific theory called the ”catecholamine hypothesis" which has itself been pretty much debunked.
For decades the explanatory psychiatric theory behind depression has been the the "bio-psycho-social" model. While we know that biology is an import part of the picture, that part can include a bunch of different factors besides neurochemi cals, such as possibly inflammation, neuron growth factors and more.
[0] https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/debunking-two-chemical...
> Equating depression to monoamine derangement was a very attractive notion for all but in 30 years remains unproven, and not very helpful in guiding treatment.
I believe that theory has been mostly disproven, but that doesn't change solid evidence behind the efficacy antidepressants that were developed using that theory.