We all get depressed from time to time. It’s normal to get depressed when life comes at us hard. We may need help at those times. But most of the time we just need to ride the hard times out, hopefully with the support and understanding of our loved ones. Do we need anything else, like chemicals or other substances and interventions? Maybe. That is for you and your health care-taker to decide. In making that decision, you would do well to consider why you are now feeling depressed. As you do, keep in mind the toxic effects of “medicalizing” normal feelings in order to give you a pill that will take care of the problem. Also, remember that sadness, or any other “negative” feeling, may lead to healing and improvement when viewed as opportunities for change or adapt to whatever factor triggered those “negative” feelings.
References
Depression is not caused by a ‘chemical imbalance’ in the brain, say scientists
Bing.com News, Nina Massey, July 21st 2022.
There is no clear evidence that depression is caused by low serotonin levels, research suggests. The new review, which analysed existing studies, suggests the condition is not likely caused by a chemical imbalance, and calls into question what antidepressants do. Researchers say their findings are important as studies show that as many as 85-90% of the public believes that depression is caused by low serotonin or a chemical imbalance. Most antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and were originally said to work by correcting abnormally low serotonin levels.
There is no other accepted way by which antidepressants affect the symptoms of depression. Lead author Joanna Moncrieff, a professor of psychiatry at UCL is a consultant psychiatrist at North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT). She said: ‘It is always difficult to prove a negative, but I think we can safely say that after a vast amount of research conducted over several decades, there is no convincing evidence that depression is caused by serotonin abnormalities, particularly by lower levels or reduced activity of serotonin.
‘The popularity of the “chemical imbalance” theory of depression has coincided with a huge increase in the use of antidepressants.
Religious Fundamentalism and Later-Life
Medscape – Jul 13, 2022. Evangelical Anxiety is a beautifully written book, and a look into two worlds that can feel so secretive to the outsider. Marsh’s use of language is extraordinary; he has a gift for metaphors and descriptions, and he carries the reader alongside him on a splendid journey… It’s an illuminating journey, often sad and disturbing, sometimes funny and endearing, and ultimately uplifting. In our skeptical world where psychiatrists are so are often undone, it is refreshing to read a memoir where the psychiatrist is the good guy and the patient emerges healed and whole.
Principles of emotional brain circuit maturation
J. Science 2 Jun 2022, Vol 376, Issue 6597, pp. 1055
Early-life environmental signals contribute to how the brain handles reward, stress, and fear
The mammalian brain is organized in overlapping, intercalated circuits, and an extensive body of information has focused on the maturation of sensory (visual, auditory) and motor circuits (1–3). Yet, much less is known about the maturation principles of “emotional” brain circuits, including those governing reward-, stress-, and fear-related behaviors. Evidence suggests that sensory inputs from the environment during a sensitive period in early postnatal life have important effects on emotional circuit development, just as adverse or positive images, odors, and sounds influence feelings and actions in adulthood. Disrupted operation of emotional circuits underlies mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Enhanced recognition of the principles guiding the development of these circuits is important for understanding human health.
Social isolation, loneliness may drive risk for fatal or nonfatal MI, stroke
Healio Minute, August 04, 2022
Social isolation and loneliness are common and underrecognized determinants of CV and brain health, and more research is needed to understand causal pathways and interventions, according to a new scientific statement. “Over 4 decades of research has clearly demonstrated that social isolation and loneliness are both associated with adverse health outcomes,” Crystal W. Cene, MD, MPH, FAHA, professor of clinical medicine and chief administrative officer for health equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of California San Diego Health and chair of the writing group for the American Heart Association scientific statement, said in a press release. “Given the prevalence of social disconnectedness across the U.S., the public health impact is quite significant.”
Data were derived from Cené CW, et al. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;doi:10.1161/JAHA.122.026493.
Whence Depression – Dr. Bruce Rubenstein, MD. (brucerubensteinmd.com)
