Peat Archive

Ray Peat challenged the 'chemical imbalance' theory of depression, arguing that depression is not caused by low serotonin but rather by metabolic insufficiency — inadequate energy production at the cellular level. He noted that hypothyroidism, low blood sugar, excessive cortisol, and PUFA-induced inflammation all produce symptoms indistinguishable from 'clinical depression.' Peat viewed Martin Seligman's 'learned helplessness' model as more physiologically accurate than the serotonin deficiency model.

Peat recommended addressing depression through metabolic support: thyroid optimization, adequate sugar and protein intake, progesterone (which has anxiolytic and antidepressant effects), bright light exposure, and reducing PUFAs. He was critical of SSRI antidepressants, noting their many side effects and the fact that they work by desensitizing (reducing the effects of) serotonin, which contradicts the 'low serotonin' theory.