re: Scientists find no evidence of depression being caused by "chemical imbalances" in brain

Around 15 years ago out of no where I developed panic disorder. I would go from chilling out on my couch, calm as a hindu cow, to my heart racing, sweating, dizzy and feeling like I was about to die for no reason at all. I was physically in great shape, worked out 5 times per week, had a good social life and this disorder just about ruined my life. I was having these attacks daily and with the exception of going to work I pretty much didnt leave the house for 2 months.

I finally went to the doctor . They did all sorts of tests to rule out other physical issues and then went ahead and diagnosed panic disorder. I was put on Paxil and immediately the panic attacks stopped. I took it for year and then stopped with no ill effects and only once every few years do I experience anything close to the kind of attacks I've had years ago. Doctors still dont know exactly what causes them or why SSRI work but it absolutely did in my case. Just my 2 cents.