Counselling, Psychotherapy, Consulting & Corporate Psychology & Coaching

09/08/2025

Covert competition

Women compete differently, but not less.

08/08/2025

A prospective partner’s sexual history provides important information that can be used to minimise mating-related risks. Such information includes the number of past sexual partners, which has an inverse relationship with positive suitor evaluation. However, sexual encounters with new partners var...

04/08/2025

There's a fourth dark trait to reckon with: sa**sm.

28/07/2025

Coping with the paradox at the core of long-term relationships.

28/07/2025

A somewhat balanced view

What if the biggest reason modern dating is failing has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with how the system is built?Logan Ury and Scott Gallowa...

27/07/2025

Biology trumps Sociocultural

Is the attraction explained by fecundity, or our culture?

23/07/2025

Complexity has always been difficult to measure

From emotional depth to mindful living, clients name the benefits of therapy that standard measures often ignore.

23/07/2025

Studies have shown people who sleep more than average have a higher risk of health problems and death. But is sleeping a lot a symptom or a cause?

16/07/2025

A landmark review finds no scientific evidence that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance.

A major umbrella review led by researchers at University College London has found no convincing evidence that depression is caused by low serotonin levels or reduced serotonin activity. Published in Molecular Psychiatry, the study analyzed decades of research across several major fields and concluded that the long-standing “chemical imbalance” theory lacks scientific support. This challenges the core rationale behind the widespread use of antidepressants like SSRIs, which are believed to work by correcting low serotonin. The review suggests that the popularity of this theory may have contributed to the massive increase in antidepressant prescriptions despite the absence of biological proof.

The findings also raise concerns about how this serotonin theory may shape public perception and treatment decisions.

With up to 90% of people believing depression stems from a chemical imbalance, researchers warn that this misconception can discourage recovery optimism and reliance on non-drug treatments.

Moreover, some evidence points to antidepressants possibly lowering serotonin levels over time, highlighting a need for transparency and new approaches to mental health care.

The authors advocate for a shift in focus toward addressing life stressors, trauma, and social factors through therapy and lifestyle interventions rather than pharmacological solutions alone.

Source: Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., & Horowitz, M. A. (2022). The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence. Molecular Psychiatry

Post credit: Hashem Al-Ghaili

20/10/2024

What is it about the last 40 years

3 key things that men want from their partners.

22/09/2024

Humans didn't always sleep straight through the night, and we didn't always have to deal with a regulated work or school day. Modern culture is responsible for some of the most enduring misconceptions about sleep. Here are seven common myths.

26/08/2024

A study finds narcissists may join feminist activism to satisfy personal grandiosity, not just for societal change. This behavior can potentially undermine the success and integrity of the feminist movement, and reflects a broader pattern of using activism for self-gain and status.