Joanna Moncrieff
@joannamoncrieff.bsky.social
Critical psychiatrist, professor at University College London and author. Views are my own.
Pinned
Good to be up on bsky. Following the storm of interest provoked by our 2022 review, I am pleased to announce the publication of my book telling the story of the serotonin theory of depression from the beginning to recent challenges. Due out Jan 2025. To pre-order lnk.to/chemicallyim...
It was great that BBC radio 4 covered the harmful effects of finasteride, including persistent sexual dysfunction. More attention is needed to the fact that SSRIs and other antidepressants cause similar, potentially devastating effects. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
File on 4 Investigates - Thin on Information? Hair loss drug Finasteride - BBC Sounds
Is the popular hair loss drug Finasteride being safely promoted?
www.bbc.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 4:07 PM
It was great that BBC radio 4 covered the harmful effects of finasteride, including persistent sexual dysfunction. More attention is needed to the fact that SSRIs and other antidepressants cause similar, potentially devastating effects. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I agree psychedelics are being pushed now with little regard for the uncertain and potentially negative consequences of repeated use
The ‘broken brain serotonin’ theory for ‘depression’ has well and truely been debunked, acknowledged by psychiatric bodies. (New push re psychedelics has risks of bad psychosis, being misdiagnosed in symptom-only diagnosis as ‘mental illness’. The term ‘psychedelic’ = psychosis experience) #biorisks
In this podcast I talk to therapist, Bruce Wampold, about the science and sociology of the chemical imbalance theory, how emotions are signals and about the potential risks of upcoming treatments for mental disorders, including psychedelics www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Yu...
January 30, 2026 at 4:02 PM
I agree psychedelics are being pushed now with little regard for the uncertain and potentially negative consequences of repeated use
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
Super interesting interaction between two esteemed experts of our field.
Such important points, especially toward the end where biological reductionism is discussed
Such important points, especially toward the end where biological reductionism is discussed
In this podcast I talk to therapist, Bruce Wampold, about the science and sociology of the chemical imbalance theory, how emotions are signals and about the potential risks of upcoming treatments for mental disorders, including psychedelics www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Yu...
#29: "Psychiatry Failure? The Serotonin Theory of Depression Lacks Evidence!"-Joanna Moncrieff, MD
YouTube video by Making Therapy Better
www.youtube.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Super interesting interaction between two esteemed experts of our field.
Such important points, especially toward the end where biological reductionism is discussed
Such important points, especially toward the end where biological reductionism is discussed
See this detailed thread on our paper. In sum, evidence shows fluoxetine has no meaningful effect. Earlier studies influenced by recency bias. But it is still recommended in clinical guidelines
Paper now published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology.
Longer thread below!
www.jclinepi.com/article/S089...
@markhoro.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social @richlyus.bsky.social @floriannaudet.bsky.social
Longer thread below!
www.jclinepi.com/article/S089...
@markhoro.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social @richlyus.bsky.social @floriannaudet.bsky.social
January 28, 2026 at 4:03 PM
See this detailed thread on our paper. In sum, evidence shows fluoxetine has no meaningful effect. Earlier studies influenced by recency bias. But it is still recommended in clinical guidelines
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
Welcome to the world of "pure" biological psychiatry
"MDD is increasingly understood as a disorder of dysregulated neuroplasticity rather than solely of neurotransmitter imbalance"
www.biorxiv.org/content/bior...
@padbergthorsten.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social @mad-in-america.bsky.social
"MDD is increasingly understood as a disorder of dysregulated neuroplasticity rather than solely of neurotransmitter imbalance"
www.biorxiv.org/content/bior...
@padbergthorsten.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social @mad-in-america.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Welcome to the world of "pure" biological psychiatry
"MDD is increasingly understood as a disorder of dysregulated neuroplasticity rather than solely of neurotransmitter imbalance"
www.biorxiv.org/content/bior...
@padbergthorsten.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social @mad-in-america.bsky.social
"MDD is increasingly understood as a disorder of dysregulated neuroplasticity rather than solely of neurotransmitter imbalance"
www.biorxiv.org/content/bior...
@padbergthorsten.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social @mad-in-america.bsky.social
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
Do #antidepressants resolve a chemical imbalance or risk creating one?
My interview @psychologytoday.com with @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social, author of Chemically Imbalanced
#SSRIs #Depression #Psychiatry #MedSky
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/side...
My interview @psychologytoday.com with @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social, author of Chemically Imbalanced
#SSRIs #Depression #Psychiatry #MedSky
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/side...
"Chemically Imbalanced": An Interview With Joanna Moncrieff
The author of “Chemically Imbalanced” discusses the persistent serotonin myth of mental illness.
www.psychologytoday.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Do #antidepressants resolve a chemical imbalance or risk creating one?
My interview @psychologytoday.com with @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social, author of Chemically Imbalanced
#SSRIs #Depression #Psychiatry #MedSky
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/side...
My interview @psychologytoday.com with @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social, author of Chemically Imbalanced
#SSRIs #Depression #Psychiatry #MedSky
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/side...
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
@joannamoncrieff.bsky.social
The 'medicalization of distress, the sedimented belief in “magic bullets,” and the push to “scale up” mental health treatment have contributed to the meteoric rise in the prescription of psychiatric drugs and of polypharmacy
tinyurl.com/2az6fc86
The 'medicalization of distress, the sedimented belief in “magic bullets,” and the push to “scale up” mental health treatment have contributed to the meteoric rise in the prescription of psychiatric drugs and of polypharmacy
tinyurl.com/2az6fc86
Frontiers | Why psychiatry needs an honest dose of gentle medicine
The pharmaceutical industry’s influence on psychiatric research and practice has been profound and has resulted in exaggerated claims of the effectiveness of...
tinyurl.com
January 2, 2026 at 2:05 PM
@joannamoncrieff.bsky.social
The 'medicalization of distress, the sedimented belief in “magic bullets,” and the push to “scale up” mental health treatment have contributed to the meteoric rise in the prescription of psychiatric drugs and of polypharmacy
tinyurl.com/2az6fc86
The 'medicalization of distress, the sedimented belief in “magic bullets,” and the push to “scale up” mental health treatment have contributed to the meteoric rise in the prescription of psychiatric drugs and of polypharmacy
tinyurl.com/2az6fc86
In this podcast I talk to therapist, Bruce Wampold, about the science and sociology of the chemical imbalance theory, how emotions are signals and about the potential risks of upcoming treatments for mental disorders, including psychedelics www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Yu...
#29: "Psychiatry Failure? The Serotonin Theory of Depression Lacks Evidence!"-Joanna Moncrieff, MD
YouTube video by Making Therapy Better
www.youtube.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:55 PM
In this podcast I talk to therapist, Bruce Wampold, about the science and sociology of the chemical imbalance theory, how emotions are signals and about the potential risks of upcoming treatments for mental disorders, including psychedelics www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Yu...
In mental health diagnoses are not explanations. 'Sometimes that can be a distraction, because people often try to fit themselves into boxes ..and don't necessarily communicate, or become aware of, what their actual problems are' camdenist.beehiiv.com/p/controvers...
Controversial mental health voice Joanna Moncrieff speaks out
The final guest editor in our current series on why the drugs don't work, plus new cultural projects for Camden Town & loads to do this week
camdenist.beehiiv.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:32 PM
In mental health diagnoses are not explanations. 'Sometimes that can be a distraction, because people often try to fit themselves into boxes ..and don't necessarily communicate, or become aware of, what their actual problems are' camdenist.beehiiv.com/p/controvers...
I am delighted to announce that the Spanish translation of Chemically Imbalanced is out now - its called "El mito de los antidepresivos" published by Arcopress almuzaralibros.com/fichalibro.p...
El mito de los antidepresivos - La tienda de libros
¿CÓMO LLEGAMOS A CREER QUE LAS EMOCIONES HUMANAS SE REDUCEN A FLUCTUACIONES QUÍMICAS? ¿QUÉ PAPEL JUGARON LA INDUSTRIA FARMACÉUTICA, LOS MEDIOS DE COMU...
almuzaralibros.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:28 PM
I am delighted to announce that the Spanish translation of Chemically Imbalanced is out now - its called "El mito de los antidepresivos" published by Arcopress almuzaralibros.com/fichalibro.p...
My interview in the Camdenist. We have come to think what we 'need is ever more neuroscience, and that that is somehow going to uncover the answer to everything and tell us who we really are. It is not.' camdenist.beehiiv.com/p/controvers...
Controversial mental health voice Joanna Moncrieff speaks out
The final guest editor in our current series on why the drugs don't work, plus new cultural projects for Camden Town & loads to do this week
camdenist.beehiiv.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:26 PM
My interview in the Camdenist. We have come to think what we 'need is ever more neuroscience, and that that is somehow going to uncover the answer to everything and tell us who we really are. It is not.' camdenist.beehiiv.com/p/controvers...
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
@joannamoncrieff.bsky.social Found you! now following having left X.
camdenist.beehiiv.com/p/controvers...
camdenist.beehiiv.com/p/controvers...
Controversial mental health voice Joanna Moncrieff speaks out
The final guest editor in our current series on why the drugs don't work, plus new cultural projects for Camden Town & loads to do this week
camdenist.beehiiv.com
September 30, 2025 at 11:43 AM
@joannamoncrieff.bsky.social Found you! now following having left X.
camdenist.beehiiv.com/p/controvers...
camdenist.beehiiv.com/p/controvers...
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
No significant effect for ketamine (vs midazolam) in this trial. This contrasts previous research. Functional unblinding and reduced expectancy effects due to the enrolment algorithm likely explain this finding (implying that older research is biased).
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Serial Ketamine Infusions for Depression
This randomized clinical trial evaluates outcomes following adjunctive ketamine infusions vs midazolam for depression.
jamanetwork.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:45 PM
No significant effect for ketamine (vs midazolam) in this trial. This contrasts previous research. Functional unblinding and reduced expectancy effects due to the enrolment algorithm likely explain this finding (implying that older research is biased).
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
🍃 #NatureMatters➡️#EmotionalWellbeing➡️#HousingMatters
🚨Recent studies show that living near #parks or natural #GreenSpace reduces anxiety and depression by about 20 per cent🚨
@housingtoday.bsky.social @heathernstaff.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/o...
🚨Recent studies show that living near #parks or natural #GreenSpace reduces anxiety and depression by about 20 per cent🚨
@housingtoday.bsky.social @heathernstaff.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/o...
Young first-time buyers forced into ‘nature deserts’, UK data shows
Exclusive: High cost of homes near green spaces may be deepening health inequalities, says wildlife coalition
www.theguardian.com
October 26, 2025 at 12:37 PM
🍃 #NatureMatters➡️#EmotionalWellbeing➡️#HousingMatters
🚨Recent studies show that living near #parks or natural #GreenSpace reduces anxiety and depression by about 20 per cent🚨
@housingtoday.bsky.social @heathernstaff.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/o...
🚨Recent studies show that living near #parks or natural #GreenSpace reduces anxiety and depression by about 20 per cent🚨
@housingtoday.bsky.social @heathernstaff.bsky.social @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/o...
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
Universal School Mental Health Lessons Can Backfire, Review Warns
A new review finds that universal, school mental health programs can worsen symptoms for some students and urges trials that measure harm as well as benefit.
By Ally Riddle
www.madinamerica.com/2025/10/univ...
A new review finds that universal, school mental health programs can worsen symptoms for some students and urges trials that measure harm as well as benefit.
By Ally Riddle
www.madinamerica.com/2025/10/univ...
Universal School Mental Health Lessons Can Backfire, Review Warns
Oxford researchers say classroom-wide mental health interventions can backfire and call for designs that identify who benefits and who is put at risk.
www.madinamerica.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Universal School Mental Health Lessons Can Backfire, Review Warns
A new review finds that universal, school mental health programs can worsen symptoms for some students and urges trials that measure harm as well as benefit.
By Ally Riddle
www.madinamerica.com/2025/10/univ...
A new review finds that universal, school mental health programs can worsen symptoms for some students and urges trials that measure harm as well as benefit.
By Ally Riddle
www.madinamerica.com/2025/10/univ...
Looking forward to taking part in the HTLGI festival in Kenwood House, London, Sept 20-21st. The line up of amazing scientists, thinkers & political figures including Brain Cox, Roger Penrose, Alastair Campbell, Diane Abbott etc. Tickets howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/lo...
August 20, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Looking forward to taking part in the HTLGI festival in Kenwood House, London, Sept 20-21st. The line up of amazing scientists, thinkers & political figures including Brain Cox, Roger Penrose, Alastair Campbell, Diane Abbott etc. Tickets howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/lo...
Blog on the longstanding tendency to play down the dependence-inducing effects of psychiatric drugs, now playing out in two reviews that minimise antidepressant withdrawal effects based on flawed studies of short-term users www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/chem...
Antidepressant Withdrawal: Nothing to Worry About?
Recent reviews claim antidepressant withdrawal is clinically insignificant, but they are based on flawed and short-term studies. Minimizing withdrawal problems is worrying.
www.psychologytoday.com
August 20, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Blog on the longstanding tendency to play down the dependence-inducing effects of psychiatric drugs, now playing out in two reviews that minimise antidepressant withdrawal effects based on flawed studies of short-term users www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/chem...
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
When Dr. Roussos-Ross pointed out the dangers of untreated depression, she left out the fact that antidepressants (ADs) have modest efficacy (as later pointed out by @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social ). Bc of the side effects, ADs are associated with a problematic harm-benefit ratio for the majority.
July 28, 2025 at 2:56 PM
When Dr. Roussos-Ross pointed out the dangers of untreated depression, she left out the fact that antidepressants (ADs) have modest efficacy (as later pointed out by @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social ). Bc of the side effects, ADs are associated with a problematic harm-benefit ratio for the majority.
Reposted by Joanna Moncrieff
Excellent summary of the ongoing controversy about antidepressant withdrawal issues by @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/chem...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/chem...
Antidepressant Withdrawal: Nothing to Worry About?
Recent reviews claim antidepressant withdrawal is clinically insignificant, but they are based on flawed and short-term studies. Minimizing withdrawal problems is worrying.
www.psychologytoday.com
August 2, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Excellent summary of the ongoing controversy about antidepressant withdrawal issues by @joannamoncrieff.bsky.social
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/chem...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/chem...
I was honoured to take part in the FDA's panel on the risks of SSRIs in pregnancy yesterday along with other experts @fda.gov. This is a huge issue with so many young women taking these drugs. I hope the UK and other countries will listen to the evidence presented www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nha...
FDA Expert Panel on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Pregnancy
YouTube video by U.S. Food and Drug Administration
www.youtube.com
July 22, 2025 at 8:26 PM
I was honoured to take part in the FDA's panel on the risks of SSRIs in pregnancy yesterday along with other experts @fda.gov. This is a huge issue with so many young women taking these drugs. I hope the UK and other countries will listen to the evidence presented www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nha...
It is worrying that leading psychiatrists have quoted the Henssler review regardless of these limitations (and the more recent Kalfas review) to reassure the public and called on the Royal College of Psychiatrists to weaken its advice on stopping antidepressants 4/n
July 22, 2025 at 8:20 PM
It is worrying that leading psychiatrists have quoted the Henssler review regardless of these limitations (and the more recent Kalfas review) to reassure the public and called on the Royal College of Psychiatrists to weaken its advice on stopping antidepressants 4/n
Only 5 studies in the Henssler AD withdrawal review (not 18 as claimed) used a relevant measure of withdrawal. These find 55% of people reported withdrawal symptoms after stopping antidepressant 3/n
July 22, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Only 5 studies in the Henssler AD withdrawal review (not 18 as claimed) used a relevant measure of withdrawal. These find 55% of people reported withdrawal symptoms after stopping antidepressant 3/n
The vast majority of included studies in the Henssler AD withdrawal review were not designed to measure withdrawal and only recorded it incidentally among spontaneously reported ‘adverse events’. This is no basis for estimating prevalence 2/n
July 22, 2025 at 8:18 PM
The vast majority of included studies in the Henssler AD withdrawal review were not designed to measure withdrawal and only recorded it incidentally among spontaneously reported ‘adverse events’. This is no basis for estimating prevalence 2/n
Remember the 2024 Henssler review claiming only 1 in 6 have antidepressant withdrawal symptoms & 1 in 30 severe symptoms? Here we show it was based on highly unreliable data & can't be used to assess withdrawal effects @ploederl.bsky.social @markhoro.bsky.social 1/n www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Evidence on antidepressant withdrawal: an appraisal and reanalysis of a recent systematic review | Psychological Medicine | Cambridge Core
Evidence on antidepressant withdrawal: an appraisal and reanalysis of a recent systematic review - Volume 55
www.cambridge.org
July 22, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Remember the 2024 Henssler review claiming only 1 in 6 have antidepressant withdrawal symptoms & 1 in 30 severe symptoms? Here we show it was based on highly unreliable data & can't be used to assess withdrawal effects @ploederl.bsky.social @markhoro.bsky.social 1/n www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
'Psychiatrists have been accused of downplaying the risks of antidepressant withdrawal in a new study' www.thecanary.co/global/world...
Big pharma-funded psychiatrists 'cosplaying science' in misleading antidepressant withdrawal study
The paper claims, with confidence, that withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are minimal and easily managed. Not true.
www.thecanary.co
July 15, 2025 at 7:43 AM
'Psychiatrists have been accused of downplaying the risks of antidepressant withdrawal in a new study' www.thecanary.co/global/world...