The truth is, this is a timely article, but also dangerous because the writer didn't seem to include enough science about the factors involved in the 'chemical imbalance' theory of mental disorders and tie that lack of knowledge into a clear understanding of better science.

Like the article mentioned, there is no 'E=mC²' of neurobiology. The amount of variables and factors involved in a clear-cut, simple relationship between depression (in this case) is simply beyond the knowledge of modern medicine. Likely because of the amount of resources needed to reduce something so complex as mental illness into a neat, orderly description.

One issue is that mental illness exists on a spectrum, from mild, 'normal' depression and anxiety which most everyone has at some point in their lives to moments of terrifying separations from reality.

The only things these illnesses have in common is that the person suffering has a mindbody connection which doesn't allow them to remain emotionally and physically competent to take care of themselves because of a source of stress, internal or external. If a study were to link genetics with ethnic and cultural factors, the thread would narrow even further.

Some of this is common sense. One woman may break up with her husband. She may grieve very deeply for a number of years, he may find a woman within a short time of the breakup. Same point of stress, different reactions.

One thing that was not listed but is a fact I learned from reading out psychiatric meds because of a case of depression is that the average amount of money spent for one drug to make it to market is 1B. Yeah, with a B. Also, the percentage of drugs that make it to market from the concept stage, IIRC is less than 5 pct.

In other words, the drug that hits has to make enough money to fund the other 95% of misses plus the corporate dynamics of hitting projections and the like.

Yes, Big Pharma is real, I guess. But like most ghosts they do serve a purpose.

Many people benefit from the SSRI's and other treatments. However they are rarely cure-alls. It's good that people are seeking help, it means less stress for everyone. But if someone read the article and thought, 'Well, the meds don't really work and I don't want to make fat cats fatter.' and decided to postpone or end their treatment than the article was unhelpful.