Explore the science behind depression with analytical bioengineer Parastoo Hashemi at the Royal Institution. This talk examines how our understanding of depression has evolved and the three major scientific theories developed in the mid-20th century that continue to shape treatment today.
Hashemi will trace the monoamine theory — which focuses on neurotransmitter levels such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine — alongside the plasticity theory of neuronal connection loss and the inflammation theory linking immune activation to mood disorders. Discover how these frameworks led to modern antidepressants and what Hashemi's cutting-edge research using ultramicroelectrodes reveals about measuring neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
With depression affecting an estimated 300 million people globally yet current treatments failing many patients, this talk offers crucial insights into why drug discovery has stalled and where neuroscience may be heading next.
