How Beliefs About Depression Can Harm

"Most notably, the belief that depression stems from a chemical imbalance in one's brain can hinder treatment in at least three ways: Biological beliefs can give rise to 'prognostic pessimism.' Some form the idea that, if depression is a biological condition, it's unlikely to change-it's just part of 'who I am.' Biological beliefs can create the impression that medication is the only useful form of treatment, thereby limiting treatment options."

"Biological beliefs can create a sense of a lack of agency, or what psychologists call an external locus of control. This is the idea that I'm helpless to change my depression on my own; I need a doctor to 'fix' me. These beliefs can perpetuate depression by limiting the treatments we pursue and creating a sense of hopelessness about them."

"Depression is different from, say, hypothyroidism. It doesn't matter quite so much what you believe about hypothyroidism: If you take your medication, you will keep symptoms under control. Depression works differently. Do I think of my depression as caused by a chemical imbalance in my brain? Or a reasonable response to adversity? Or a message from the depths of my soul that I should change my life?"

Depression differs from physical illnesses because personal beliefs about its causes directly influence healing outcomes. Biological explanations attributing depression to chemical imbalances can undermine recovery through three mechanisms: fostering prognostic pessimism that views depression as unchangeable, limiting treatment options to medication alone, and creating external locus of control where individuals feel helpless without medical intervention. These beliefs perpetuate depression by restricting available treatments and generating hopelessness. Alternative perspectives viewing depression as a meaningful response to adversity or a signal for life change may support better outcomes. Biological beliefs about depression remain widespread in Western populations, affecting how people approach treatment and recovery.

Read at Psychology Today