Discuss at least one biological explanation of depression
by
kitcat12 (student)
Charlotte Phillips
Discuss at least one biological explanation of depression. Refer to empirical evidence in your answer.
(12 marks)
One biological explanation of depression is the biochemical explanation, which states that low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain can cause a person to suffer from depression. Serotonin can affect sleep patterns, hunger, energy levels and activity. Teuting et al found out that lower levels of compound that is produced by the breakdown of serotonin and adrenalin was found in the urine of depressed people compared to non-depressed people. This empirical evidence suggests that low levels of serotonin and adrenalin are present in depressed people which shows support for the biochemical explanation of depression. However, a limitation of the biochemical explanation is that no cause or effect can be established as it cannot be proven if low levels of serotonin cause depression or if depression causes low levels of serotonin this suggests that low levels of serotonin may be an effect of depression rather than a cause. A strength of the biochemical explanation is that the use of SSRIs as a successful treatment supports the explanation because SSRI’s increase the levels of serotonin which limits depression meaning that low levels of serotonin must be the cause in order for the SSRI’s to be successful. A farther strength is that the explanation can be proved by the blood pressure drug Reserpine which can cause depression in people. A side effect of reserpine is reduced levels of serotonin which can be an explanation to why many people on the drug experience depression and also highlight the fact low levels of serotonin is the cause of depression.
