A point of controversy in the mental health field is the chemical imbalance theory, which suggests that depression is caused by a deficiency in one or more neurotransmitters in the brain (Andrews et al., 2015; Baumeister et al., 2003; Schultz & Hunter, 2016). Since there is no clinically actionable diagnostic procedure or test able to identify a chemical imbalance in the brain (Insel, 2015; Schultz & Hunter, 2016), the theory is instead supported by how effective antidepressants are for patients. The chemical imbalance theory restricts the causes of depression to a patient’s biology and does not take into account social and cultural factors (Schultz & Hunter, 2016).
In contrast, the effects of social and cultural factors on depression are taken into account in feminist therapy. Feminist therapists acknowledge that women’s minority status in a patriarchal society can be a source of psychological trauma that can influence the development of depression (Israeli & Santor, 2000). They treat patients as individuals with unique experiences rather than assuming that all individuals share the same realities, and they also operate under the concept that factors such as gender, race, cultural, ethnic, and sexual orientation may affect psychological functioning (Atkinson & Hackett, 1988; Israeli & Santor, 2000).
The chemical imbalance theory can reduce a patient’s motivation to actively work to improve their mental health because they believe they will not make much improvement, which is known as prognostic pessimism (Kichuk et al., 2015; Lebowitz, 2014; Schultz, 2015; Schultz & Hunter, 2016). Feminist therapy can counter this prognostic pessimism because feminist therapists view depression as being a result of feeling the conflict and helplessness that an oppressive society and environment create (Schultz & Hunter, 2016). This view can help victims of oppression feel validated in their experiences of abuse and trauma and feel empowered that by combating oppression they can improve their mental health.
An example of feminist therapy being implemented is in family therapy. The originators of family therapy give little attention to aspects like gender. In contrast, feminist therapists confront the oppressive nature of traditional gender roles in the family and help clients resolve these issues (Evans et al., 2005). Another example of feminist therapy in practice is in diagnosing mental health. Traditionally diagnosis emphasizes the power difference between the counselor and the client, and an alternative to this is a feminist assessment for diagnosis. In a feminist assessment, the counselor and client collaborate to formulate hypotheses about what could be causing the client’s mental dilemma and also identify what makes the client resilient (Evans et al., 2005).
Feminist therapy should be considered by mental health professionals because it could help combat the oppression of the patriarchy and make clients feel empowered that they can reduce their depressive symptoms.
References
Andrews, P. W., Bharwani, A., Lee, K. R., Fox, M., & Thomson Jr, J. A. (2015). Is serotonin an upper or a downer? The evolution of the serotonergic system and its role in depression and the antidepressant response. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 51, 164-188.
Atkinson, D. R., & Hackett, G. E. (1988). Counseling non-ethnic American minorities. Charles C Thomas, Publisher.
Baumeister, A. A., Hawkins, M. F., & Uzelac, S. M. (2003). The myth of reserpine-induced depression: role in the historical development of the monoamine hypothesis. Journal of the History of the Neurosciences, 12(2), 207-220.
Evans, K. M., Kincade, E. A., Marbley, A. F., & Seem, S. R. (2005). Feminism and feminist therapy: Lessons from the past and hopes for the future. Journal of Counseling & Development, 83(3), 269-277.
Insel, T. (2015). A different way of thinking. New Scientist, 227(3035), 5.
Israeli, A. L., & Santor, D. A. (2000). Reviewing effective components of feminist therapy. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 13(3), 233-247.
Schultz, W., & Hunter, N. (2016). Depression, chemical imbalances, and feminism. Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, 28(4), 159-173.