No / In this paper I examine how Darwinian thought has been applied to understanding the evolutionary origins of depression. The application of evolutionary theory has produced a significant number of adaptive hypotheses for the origins of depression. Some of the main models are discussed. The ‘separation-distress’ emotional system described Watt and Panksepp (Neuropsychoanalysis 11:7–51, 2009), provides a convincing evolutionary-conserved neurochemical and emotional system which may form the basis of a depressive response in humans. By reflecting on these models, I discuss whether depression in humans can be considered to be an adaptation in evolutionary terms, or whether it is a maladaptive response to adverse life events.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BRADFORD/oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/6791 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Ashelford, Sarah L. |
| Source Sets | Bradford Scholars |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book chapter, No full-text in the repository |
| Relation | https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783642204951 |
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