Leading psychiatrist calls the serotonin-deficiency theory behind antidepressants a myth
Professor Joanna Moncrieff says the idea that depression stems from low ‘happy hormones’ is unfounded and that antidepressants mainly blunt emotions.
Joanna Moncrieff, a professor of psychiatry at University College London, will discuss her view that the serotonin-deficiency explanation for depression is a myth in a Care Visions Talks podcast episode this autumn. She contends that antidepressants do not correct a proven brain fault but rather dull a range of emotions, including happiness and love. Her recent review found no convincing evidence linking low serotonin to depressive states, prompting her to call for a "revolution" in mental-health care that prioritises therapy, exercise and social support.
Moncrieff highlights side-effects such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, fatigue, sleep problems and withdrawal phenomena, and expresses particular concern for young patients whose brains are still developing. While acknowledging that antidepressants alter brain chemistry, she doubts that emotional numbing offers lasting benefit and notes that the drugs have not been shown to reduce suicide rates. Her stance is contested by many psychiatrists who point to modest benefits demonstrated in large trials.
