Links

Here are some links to other sites concerned with the biochemical approach to depression:

• http://www.healthrecovery.com/HRC_2006/Depression_06/D_sadness_inside_you.htm
• http://www.woodlands.derby.sch.uk/departments/humanities/psychology/psychology%20site/explanations-of-depression.html
• http://www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk/learning_modules/psychology/02.TU.04/?section=15

Introduction to the Biochemical Approach of Depression

There are several approaches that try to explain the causes of depression. One of the biological explanations, which suggests that depression is caused by bodily functions is the biochemical approach.

The biochemical approach focuses on the fact that chemical processes in the brain are responsible for the way we act.

The biochemical explanation looks at chemical reactions in the brain, and specifically the results of too much or too little noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain.
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The Biochemical Approach

The biochemical approach states that biochemical processes play a causal role in depression, and research has linked these disorders to chemical imbalances in serotonin and noradrenaline.

Schildkraut (1965) argued that too much noradrenalin in certain areas of the brain causes mania, whereas too little causes depression. Later research suggests that the same is true of serotonin.

Data that supports this is from research on non-humans given drugs that diminish noradrenaline production, they become inactive and sluggish- two symptoms of depression. (Wender and Klein 1981.) Similarly, when humans are given reserpine, used to treat high blood pressure there are increased brain levels of noradrenaline and/or serotonin. (Lemonick 1997.) Iproniazid (used to treat TB) produces elation and euphoria, and increases noradrenalin and serotonin levels.

Lithium Carbonate decreases noradrenalin and serotonin levels. Research indicates that the urine of depressed people contains lower than normal levels of compounds produced when noradrenaline and serotonin are broken down by enzymes. (Teuting et al 1981) this suggests lower than normal activity of noradrenaline and serotonin- producing neurones in the brain.

Abnormally high levels of noradrenaline compounds have been found in the urine of manic people. (Kety 1975) and the level of these compounds fluctuates in people with bipolar disorder. (Bunney et al 1972.)

Evaluation of Biochemical Approach

There are many positive and negative aspects to the biochemical approach to depression:

•The biochemical way of treating depression is through drugs. However this is only short term as serotonin and noradrenaline levels soon return to baseline, and symptoms reappear.
•All antidepressants prescribed for patients of depression take time before they alleviate any symptoms- there is no quick fix for patients with severe symptoms.
•Not everyone suffering from depression reacts to antidepressants, meaning that they do not help everyone.