# The Serotonin Hypothesis: Controversies and Nuance with Awais Aftab, MD

An episode of [Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1335892956), 14 Mar 2025, 1 h 17 min.

Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/psychiatrypodcast/Psychiatry_and_Psychotherapy_-_SSRI_Serotonin_master_v1.mp3?dest-id=1465178

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 blog. Link to YouTube video. Links for Dr. Awais Aftab: Substack World Psychiatry Conversations in Critical Psychiatry

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them.