Depression and Serotonin: Reexamining the Chemical Imbalance Model

Course overview

For decades, depression has commonly been explained as the result of a chemical imbalance, particularly a deficiency of serotonin. However, contemporary research has increasingly challenged this simplified model. Depression and Serotonin: Reexamining the Chemical Imbalance Model critically reviews the scientific evidence behind the serotonin hypothesis, including large-scale umbrella reviews, neuroimaging findings, genetic studies, and clinical outcome data. Participants will explore why current evidence does not support the view that depression is caused by low serotonin levels and examine alternative, multifactorial frameworks that emphasize brain circuitry, environmental stress, trauma, inflammation, and psychosocial influences. This course equips mental health professionals with a nuanced, evidence-based understanding of depression and provides guidance on ethically communicating treatment information to clients while supporting informed, collaborative care decisions.