Revisiting Depression — Dopamine-Serotonin Balance Gains Attention for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health - A podcast by Dr. Mercola

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A major clinical trial in The Lancet Psychiatry found that boosting dopamine with pramipexole improved symptoms in treatment-resistant depression. This challenges the long-dominant serotonin deficiency theory Supporting those findings, another study showed that agomelatine, a serotonin-blocking drug, consistently reduced anxiety and depression in multiple placebo-controlled trials Research shows polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (PUFs and MUFs) directly trigger platelet aggregation and serotonin release, while saturated fats do not, linking modern diets to serotonin excess Studies confirm that combinations of unsaturated fats amplify serotonin release even at sub-threshold levels, making everyday dietary choices especially relevant to serotonin-driven health risks and mood instability Increasing GABA helps your body break down serotonin, restoring calm, better sleep, and mood stability without SSRI side effects, making it a safer alternative for addressing depression and anxiety