Monoamine theories of depression: historical impact on biomedical research
Author
Summary, in English
Monoamine theories associate depression with reduced brain monoamine levels. These theories achieved broad popularity in the mid-1960s. The present article reviews the historical development of monoamine theories and their subsequent impact on biomedical research. Alleged divisions between West European and U.S. researchers over competing versions of the theories are investigated using bibliometrics. Subsequently, the application of monoamine theories in the NIMH Collaborative Program on the Psychobiology of Depression is covered. The paper argues that the impact of monoamine theories is best explained by the ability of researchers, governmental agencies and pharmaceutical companies to invoke theories that advance various projects and agendas.
Department/s
Publishing year
2012
Language
English
Pages
366-392
Publication/Series
Journal of the History of the Neurosciences
Volume
21
Issue
4
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Psychology Press
Topic
- Gender Studies
Keywords
- depression
- biological psychiatry
- history
- monoamine hypothesis
- monoamine theory
- Psychobiology of Depression Program
- NIMH
- bibliometrics
Status
Published
Project
- After the success with the new generation antidepressants: Experiences, practices, discourses and changes in the self.
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0964-704X