Chemical Imbalance Theory

The serotonin deficiency theory of depression has never been scientifically proven. The premise that depression stems from a serotonin deficiency is foundationally wrong. No scientific study supports the claim that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Studies show that depressed individuals have normal or even elevated serotonin levels. The claim that depression is genetic has never been proven. The key clinical question is not the imbalance itself but what caused it. The brain's chemistry is disrupted by transitory elevation, leading to a rebound low. Chemical imbalance in the brain is the defining feature of depression from a medical perspective. Epigenetics — where environmental factors, diet, and nutrition influence gene expression — is a more accurate framing than genetic determinism. Despite the lack of evidence, patients are routinely prescribed medication for a supposed chemical imbalance and often remain on these drugs for 10–20 years.