Major depression Not attributable to specific life experiences very severe symptoms without remission for at least 2 weeks. Dysthymia Characterised by less severe symptoms that last without remission for about two years. Since drugs can treat depression, this supports a biological account of depression. Monoamine theory of depression Monoamine transmitters are dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Depression results from too little activity of these transmitters at brain synapses.
Drugs blocking monoamines cause depression.
Drugs have immediate effects upon neurotransmitters, but mood is improved weeks later. Depressed individuals have been subjected to more stressful life experiences. Susceptibility to depression. Bipolar disorder controlled by Lithium bicarbonate. Lithium has long been the preferred treatment for bipolar depression.