Study Finds First Evidence Of Link Between Low Serotonin Levels And Depression

[ScienceNoob]

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/nov/05/study-finds-first-evidence-of-link-between-low-serotonin-levels-and-depression

but I remember that article saying the opposite just a few months ago:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/20/scientists-question-widespread-use-of-antidepressants-after-survey-on-serotonin

So which is it, is serotonin important in depression or not?

[wolf63]

I don't know the answer but the second link has the word 'widespread'. Maybe it is thought that doctors prescribe anti-depressants (SSRI) too readily.

I have been on SSRI-type medication continually since 1996.

[LadyCG]

I don't know about Serotonin and to what degree it can make a difference but a few years ago my GP suggested SSRI therapy (citalopram) as a first line of treatment for my IBS. To put it bluntly, it did absolutely naff all apart from make me grind my teeth and give me nausea and insomnia. It did not affect my mood either positively or negatively.

Depression can also be associated with iron deficiency and there are recent studies that suggest calcium supplementation can ameliorate most of the misery of the menstrual cycle including the severe mood disturbance that some women experience.

[Zacs-Master]

The first link is about naturally occurring serotonin in the human body and the fact that depression inhibits this.
The second link has no mention of serotonin and concerns the administering of anti depressants being ineffective on depression generally.

[Peter Pedant]

as you get older you may not get wiser
BUT
you still learn that if the hacks at the Guardian have done Sociology with a thesis on Freedom movements in Africa 1950-2000
they then know bagga all about physics, Physic ( medicine that is!) and cant understand Nature ( science mag, for Big Boys(

we probably dont know BUT the SSRIs which interact with serotonin DO work

[Peter Pedant]

erm My advice as AB doctor is

if you are feeling down, dont read the Guardian,
but we dont know, if you read the G, you will get depressed

[davebro]

Have taken venlafaxine (SNRI) on and off for the past few years. Just come off it again on a phased reduction as I don't like taking too many meds all the time. Feel OK just now.

[davebro]

//if you are feeling down, dont read the Guardian,//

Or Private Eye!

[Sqad]

In my opinion, the link between depression and levels of serotinin is still not proven...the jury is still out.

I have written my opinion on AB and will continue...........an abnormal blood result and a medical condition does not indicate necesarrily cause and effect.

A mistake often made by the medical profession is to assume that the abnormal result of an investigation, proves the point and gives the green light for treatment.
It doesn't.

[Zacs-Master]

My apologies, the second link makes several references to serotonin. I still think that your confused between naturally occurring serotonin and administered drugs designed to release it m

[woofgang]

I think every doctor in the universe should have a big sign hanging where they can see it that says "Correlation does not imply causation."

[Peter Pedant]

// "Correlation does not imply causation."//
we should know this, as Doll and Hill pointed it out 1952 in their article on Doctor smokers and how they seemd to die

let us also remember that depression is NOT a serum lack of serotonin but a conglomeration of signs.
If you give Drug X and they feel better , and controls given asugar pill dont, then you have justified its use.

Observation gentlemen, as Lancelot Spratt used to say
and Boerhaave 1680 ( first to teach on ward rounds and patients)
and Lord "Moynie" Moynahan, 'the best surgical investigation is repeated examinatino of the patient'

Other counter examples: they used quinine for malaria without having the first idea how it worked