Does the theory about serotonin deficiency and chemical imbalances in the brain causing depression and anxiety and therefore treating them with drugs actually hold up to scrutiny? Well, the theory is actually looking more than a little wobbly.
A systematic review (that is where review and analysis is done of published papers about a subject) was published by Molecular Psychiatry 20 July 2022. In this review, they went through the results of the biggest and most recent studies and meta-analyses (examination of studies about a subject). What has shown up is the major inconsistencies and lack of evidence relating to anti-depressant use – showing the effects of the drugs are inconsistent and often are no better than placebo – oops!
Even considering all this, do NOT just stop any medications without medical supervision.
If you are having issues with depression or anxiety, why not come in for an appointment so we can work together to see if there just might be an underlying cause for how you are feeling. Many people are surprised how what they eat, how their gut is working, and how their body is functioning generally, has to do with how they are feeling.
And maybe, just maybe, you will find alternatives and get information that might actually work well for you and improve your overall quality of life.