Many patients see me for depression and tell me that they have a “chemical imbalance.” They then want a drug to correct this so-called chemical imbalance. The pharmaceutical industry has done a very good job of exaggerating the science of neurotransmitters. The following article reviews some of the actual science:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/516262
Some of the highlights include:
-There is little difference in neurotransmitter levels between depressed and non-depressed people
-There is weak evidence linking neurotransmitters and depression.
-Most studies have shown that antidepressants are no better than placebo
-80% of the effects of anti-depressants are due to the placebo effect.
If you’re already on an anti-depressant, please don’t stop it without talking with your doctor. Many people can experience withdrawal symptoms. A certain percentage of people seem to respond well to anti-depressants so those should not stop them either.
–Dave Ou, M.D.
