episode-header-image

Mar 2025

1h 16m

The Serotonin Hypothesis: Controversies ...

DAVID PUDER, M.D.

About this episode

Is depression really caused by low serotonin? Dr. Awais Aftab joins Dr. David Puder to explore the serotonin hypothesis, antidepressant efficacy, and the controversies surrounding SSRIs. They dive into the history of the serotonin deficiency theory, key research on antidepressants vs. placebo, and how neuroplasticity, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes factor into depression treatment. The episode also examines differences between major treatment guidelines, including RANZCP and NICE, and what the latest evidence suggests about the future of mental health care.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to YouTube video.

Links for Dr. Awais Aftab:

World Psychiatry

Conversations in Critical Psychiatry

Up next

Devaluation, Transference, Narcissism with Diana Diamond

In this episode, Dr. David Puder is joined by world-renowned psychologist Diana Diamond, PhD to explore devaluation, narcissism, attachment, and transference in psychotherapy. Together they examine why patients with narcissistic personality traits or narcissistic personality diso ... Show More

Intergenerational Trauma Explained: The Role of Reflective Function and Mentalization in Healing Attachment

In this episode, we explore how intergenerational trauma shapes attachment patterns and how reflective function (RF) and mentalization can help break the cycle. Drawing on research from Fonagy, Slade, and Berthelot, we examine how trauma-specific reflective functioning influences ... Show More

Understanding Real Event OCD: When the Past Fuels Obsession

In this episode, Dr. David Puder is joined by OCD specialist Kevin Foss to dive deep into Real Event OCD, which is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder where real past experiences become the focus of endless rumination, guilt, and shame. Together, they unpack the symptoms, rea ... Show More

Recommended Episodes

Rethinking Mental Health: What The Science Actually Says About Depression, The Side Effects of Antidepressants & Finding Balance with Professor Joanna Moncrieff #563

CAUTION: If you are taking antidepressants or any other psychiatric medication, do not stop or adjust your dosage without first consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Coming off these medications without proper guidance can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. Always see ... Show More

Essentials: Understanding & Conquering Depression

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore major depression, including its underlying biology and discuss science-based approaches to alleviate symptoms and improve mood. I describe the wide-ranging symptoms of depression and explain how key neurotransmitters, hormones, s ... Show More

Is NAC Promising in Bipolar and Depression Treatment?

<p>In this episode, we explore the potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in treating mood disorders. We discuss its mechanism of action, clinical evidence for its use in depression and bipolar disorder, and its possible benefits for both adults and children. <strong>Could this natu ... Show More

Treatment Dilemmas: ECT for Depressed Teens

<p>In this episode, we explore the controversial use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescents with severe depression and suicidality. We discuss a study examining ECT's effectiveness, factors influencing outcomes, and its potential as a treatment option. <strong>Is ECT a ... Show More

Episode 309: Dangerous Depression Drugs?

A certain class of depression drugs have been talked about in the news recently because of new info coming out about the dangers of taking them. They are called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) — drugs that stop the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a natural chem ... Show More

Essentials: Understanding & Healing the Mind | Dr. Karl Deisseroth

In this episode of Huberman Lab Essentials, my guest is Dr. Karl Deisseroth, M.D., Ph.D., a clinical psychiatrist and professor of bioengineering and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. We discuss his experiences as a clinician treating complex psychiatr ... Show More

TAP 204 - Robert Whitaker on The Facts And Myths About Antidepressants

Summary: This week we chat with Robert Whitaker about the myths and science behind psychiatric drugs. Robert is the author of five books. In 2010, his Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness won the U.S. Investigative R ... Show More

How do anti-depressants work? (featuring Claire Caballero)

<p><strong>#192</strong></p> <p>In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam introduce special guest Claire Caballero, a pharmacology and neuroscience PhD student, to discuss how antidepressants work. Claire explains the role of neurotransmitters like serot ... Show More

Depression Has NOTHING to Do With Your Brain

What causes depression? Surprisingly, depression has nothing to do with your brain and everything to do with your gut microbiome. In this video, we’ll take an in-depth look at the brain-gut connection and the often overlooked relationship between depression and gut health. 0:00 I ... Show More

282 | Depression | Its Link to Anxiety

<p>On today's episode, join me for an in-depth discussion about the symptoms of depression, the different types of depression, how anxiety and depression go hand in hand, and some of the best ways to combat it. </p> <p> </p> <p>Robert Sapolsky: The Biology and Psychology of Depre ... Show More

Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami