The serotonin deficiency theory of depression is probably not correct says Walter Brown, MD

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Sunday, August 14, 2016 9:40 am Email this article
Walter Brown, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Brown University's School of Medicine, questions the theory that depression is caused by a deficiency of serotonin as was noted in an interview he did on "60 MInutes" on Sunday, February 19, 2012 (8-minutes into the video).

"The experts in the field now believe that that theory [of serotonin deficiency as the cause of depression] is a gross oversimplification, and is probably not correct," Dr. Brown said.

Video

The video can be viewed here

The 14-minute video is posted here.

This article was originally published on Feb 23, 2012.

About Irving Kirsch, PhD

Irving Kirsch, PhD: Associate Director of the Harvard-wide Program in Placebo Studies

Here is description of Irving Kirsch from the Harvard-wide Program in Placebo Studies

“Irving Kirsch, PhD, is a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Hull, United Kingdom, and the University of Connecticut. Irving is noted for his research on placebo effects, antidepressants, expectancy and hypnosis. He is the originator of response expectancy theory and his analyses of clinical trials of antidepressants have influenced official treatment guidelines in the United Kingdom.

“Irving received his PhD in psychology from the University of Southern California in 1975. In 1975, he joined the psychology department at the University of Connecticut, where he worked until 2004, when he became Professor of Psychology at the University of Plymouth. He moved to the University of Hull in 2007 and joined the faculty of the Harvard Medical School in 2011.”

Contact Info

Contact Info for Irving Kirsch, PhD

Irving Kirsch, PhD
Harvard Medical School
Educ & Glob Prog Admin c/o Sally Andrews
641 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
617.384.8564 phone
617.384.8555 fax
http://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/profiles/profile/person/96221
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Dr. Kirsch’s Book

Dr. Kirsch’s Book about the antidepressant myth

The Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth

Articles on the same subject can be found here:

• Antidepressants

• Depression