Depression

Mental health

Depression Neurobiology: Why Treatments Work for Some People

Depression involves inflammation, stress hormones and reduced plasticity, not just serotonin. How psychotherapy, medication, exercise and diet compare in trials, and why responses differ between people.

SelfHacking Editorial · 5 Jun 2026 · 12 min

Brain & cognition

5-HTP: Small Mood Trials and a Real Serotonin-Syndrome Risk

5-HTP converts directly to serotonin. Small, mostly older trials report effects on mood, sleep and appetite; the serious risk is serotonin syndrome when combined with antidepressants.

SelfHacking Editorial · 3 Jun 2026 · 13 min