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"I don't really think [DTCA statements about serotonin in depression] are untrue, especially if they are presented with qualifiers such as 'research suggests' and 'scientists believe,' but they might be bordering a little on unbalanced, so I think the FDA could be doing a little better in this regard," Dr. McCarter said. "By implying that depression is 'only' a chemical imbalance, [the ads] are leaving out very important aspects of the depression story. A 'balanced' statement on the etiology and treatment of depression directed at consumers should note that certain forms of counseling or psychotherapy, in particular cognitive-behavioral therapy, is equally effective in the treatment of major depression as antidepressant medication, and that together they are even better."

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I do agree with that statement. I was not implying it was traditional neurotransmitters that were responsible for the chemical part of depression. I do believe that in order for depression to occur there must be chemical compromises in the brain. We have not yet identified all of the neurotransmitters and research is on going.

I do not like providing abstract statements about very real conditions to people. "Hey, your depressed....we can't really be sure why...but try this method"

Who would put faith in a method to treat a disease when we aren't really sure of the cause!?

The obvious answer is we have studies to support our findings and results from patients that show depression medication is effective. There are studies that support the finding that psychotherapy is (*coughs* more *coughs) effective in treating depression.

Whatever the person chooses to star themselves on the road to getting out of depression is a good one.