The depressing truth about depression research

Depression Awareness Month (October) began in the 1990s to increase public recognition of one of the most common mental health disorders.

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(Cagle cartoons.com)

Nearly four decades have passed, and we still have a lot to learn.

Scientists do not yet fully understand the brain mechanisms behind human depression. Perhaps that’s because they've been studying the wrong brains, according to the Tribune News Service.

Depression is complex. It includes major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Each has different causes and treatments.

Depression is also extremely common. Depressive disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. About 332 million people experience depression globally, with nearly 21 million US adults affected.

Despite its prevalence among humans, research on depression has predominantly relied on studying other animals. It’s a counterintuitive practice that diverts resources from human-relevant studies and hinders scientific understanding of this condition and potential treatments, all while subjecting animals to pointless cruelty.