Examines the research on what actually causes depression and anxiety beyond brain chemistry — covering social, environmental, and psychological factors alongside neurobiological ones. Relevant for anyone exploring SLC6A4, BDNF, and FKBP5 research in the context of mental health.
Hari (a journalist) travels to interview researchers around the world about what causes depression and anxiety beyond brain chemistry — social disconnection, meaningful work, values, childhood trauma, financial insecurity, contact with nature — and reviews the interventions the evidence supports for each cause.
A New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller endorsed by Hillary Clinton, Elton John, and Naomi Klein — one of the most-discussed popular books on depression of the past decade.
These peer-reviewed studies connect to the core ideas in this book. Each result has been scored for reliability.
Covers the research on how specific nutrients — omega-3s, B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins — affect brain and metabolic function. Directly relevant to FADS1 and BCMO1 variant research on nutrient conversion efficiency.
Two researchers present the evidence for micronutrient support — including methylated B vitamins — in mental health. Directly relevant to MTHFR compound het and the connection between folate processing and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Sports psychology meets physiology. Covers the mental architecture of athletic performance — how to train the brain alongside the body. Particularly relevant for COMT ValVal athletes who perform differently under competition pressure versus low-stakes training.