Posted by aPenName on September 23, 2004, at 14:53:11
In reply to Re: about the chemical imbalance concept, posted by RH on August 28, 2004, at 3:50:20
I want more information on this chemical imbalance concept. About 4 years ago, my psychiatrist assured me that one can do a brain scan (I forgot which one) and see the chemical imbalance in a depressed vs. non-depressed person. I also have a close friend who's had a medication prescription chosen from the results of such a scan.
However, due to that tract, "The Anti-Depressant Fact Book", my mother continually argues with me that there is Zero evidence that chemical imbalances cause depression and that anti-depressants may be needed (in some cases, perhaps mine) for a lifetime.
So, all you experts out there: Do you have any journal articles I can reference? I'm a scientist, so I understand a lot of the issues here, about how the brain is very complex. I understand that there is a huge host of possible inputs which affect a human and how their brain works and reacts to situations. But I *know* from my experience what it's like to be thrown for no apparent outside reason into the deep abyss and not be able to control myself, to not stop crying and being depressed, considering my life and all my relationships wortheless and a waste. I've taken the data on myself for years before I was treated, and can reasonably see how chemical imbalance is possible. How it's not "my fault", as much as I've tried to "wish myself better", not just a bad day, or the pain of graduate school, or any of those outside influences at the root. (outside influences CAN contribute). At least three of my siblings are being treated for depression as well (one medicine, 2 therapy alone), we all agree my late father would have benefited greatly from it. I have a schizophrenic uncle, and some evidence of suicide and depression a generation before that (that all maternal side). There appears to be in my limited experience reasonable cause for some sort of genetic effect which may support the "chemical imbalance".
So I'm looking for the evidence. Sure, drug reps are 'evil', and companies are out to make money, can we get past that to some science, please?
thanks in advance,
aPenname
poster:aPenName
thread:381877
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040923/msgs/394165.html