# 395. Is depression just a chemical imbalance?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262/395-is-depression-just-a-chemical-imbalance
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262/395-is-depression-just-a-chemical-imbalance.md
Podcast: [The Psychology of your 20s](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262)
Published: 2026-03-15T10:16:37+00:00
Episode link: https://omny.fm/shows/the-psychology-of-your-20-s/395-is-depression-just-a-chemical-imbalance
Audio file: https://pdrl.fm/f842d9/podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/bc44988a-a82a-4291-ab8b-afdd01187fa8/fcb84161-7a77-4ca7-8379-b40e00a77804/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=39e2f432-53df-43b8-a7b9-afdd01187fc4
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262/episodes/395-is-depression-just-a-chemical-imbalance
Duration seconds: 1963

## Resource

The idea that depression is caused by a “chemical imbalance” is one of the most widely accepted explanations in modern mental health ... but is it actually true? In this bonus episode, we unpack where the chemical imbalance theory came from, how it became the dominant narrative around depression, and why many researchers today believe the story is far more complicated. Including:  The academic and applied history of this theory  What research says about antidepressants vs placebo Why the “low serotonin” explanation may be too simple The psychological and social drivers of depression Why meaning, connection, and environment matter for mental health Why depression treatment often works best when it’s multi-layered Happy listening! Watch on Netflix Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @ thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com   The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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## Transcript

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