The History of the Chemical Imbalance Theory of Mental Health

The Chemical Imbalance Theory of Mental Health: A Debunked Myth That Persists

Research showing that the chemical imbalance theory of mental health is a myth has just hit news cycles again, but this is not the first time this theory has been debunked. Many working in the field have known there is little evidence to support this theory, so why is it only recently the public has been informed? How did this myth originate and where do we go from here?

What is the Chemical Imbalance Theory?

The chemical imbalance theory of mental health is a long-standing myth that has shaped how we think about and treat mental illness for decades. According to this theory, mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are caused by imbalances of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The proposed solution, then, is to correct these imbalances with psychotropic medication, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.

However, recent research has once again debunked this theory, showing that there is little evidence to support the notion that depression is caused by a lack of these neurotransmitters. Not to mention, there is no biomarker at all for depression or any mental health condition, nor is there consensus on what a “balanced” brain looks like. So why is it that the public is only hearing about this now? And how did this myth become so pervasive in the first place?

The chemical imbalance theory can be traced back to the 1950s and 60s, when researchers first discovered the role of neurotransmitters in the brain. However, this discovery was quickly oversimplified and turned into a marketing strategy for drug companies. The idea that mental health disorders were caused by a chemical imbalance was easy to understand and sell to the public, and it became the dominant narrative in the field of mental health.

Scientific Theory or Marketing Strategy?

Despite the lack of evidence for the chemical imbalance theory, it persisted for decades, in part due to the influence of drug companies and psychiatrists who stood to benefit from the sale of psychotropic medication. In recent years, however, more and more mental health professionals have been speaking out against this myth and advocating for alternative approaches to mental health treatment.

In episode 4 of the Depth Work podcast, we explore the history of the chemical imbalance theory of mental health, how it became popularized, and why psychiatrists and mental health professionals have known for years that it is a myth. We also discusses what this means for the future of mental health treatment, including the use of antidepressants and other psychotropic medication. While these drugs can be helpful for some people, they should not be the only form of treatment offered to those struggling with mental health issues.

“The story and cultural myth we’ve built up around mental health concerns as chemical imbalances prevents people from making informed decisions, and that’s our most critical mistake.”

— Jazmine Russell, DEPTH Work Podcast Episode 04

What You’ll learn in this episode:

what current research is showing about the lack of evidence for links between depression and serotonin
the history behind the chemical imbalance theory and how it became popularized
why psychiatrists and people in the field have know the chemical imbalance theory is a myth for years and why the public wasn't informed
what this means for antidepressants and psychotropic medication

“My biggest concern is that can we seem to not even be able to have any discussion about the chemical imbalance theory because people are too defensive. Scientific ethics and the foundation of scientific process is rooted in being able to test, retest, critique, and completely overhaul things we thought were once true.”

— Jazmine Russell

DEPTH Work - A Holistic Mental Health Podcast

This is a space for those who love to dive into the underbelly, to revel in the mystery, question assumptions about what is normal, play in the both/and, and honor the wide range of human emotions.

As a complex trauma survivor, holistic counsellor and co-founder of a mental health institute, I learned that there is immense wisdom in our pain and what we call crazy is just what we are yet not willing to understand and explore. Let’s dive in!

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