Debunking depression theories, with Professor Joanna Moncrieff

Have you or someone close to you been affected by depression? Psychiatrist and academic Professor Joanna Moncrieff joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to ‘debunk’ the chemical imbalance theory of depression.

In this episode, Joanna covers her review of studies on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), one of the main medications prescribed to those with depression. Her review concluded that there’s ‘no clear evidence’ that low serotonin causes depression in the first place.

Liz and Joanna discuss how anti-depressants may alter 'normal' mental states and their little-discussed side-effects, plus the role of nature versus nurture in depression. Joanna also reveals why we may need to demedicalise depression, and instead see it as an emotional reaction that needs to be understood rather than medicated.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Visit Professor Joanna Moncrieff's website
• Read Professor Joanna Moncrieff's 2022 review on SSRIs
• Listen to our episode with Dr Ginni Mansberg on skin and hormones
• Subscribe to Liz Earle Wellbeing Magazine

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