In our introductory lecture, Dr. Pihl examines depression, suicide, and addiction through a framework that includes genetics, family history, and temperament. Together, we explore the rise in depressive disorders—such as major depression, dysthymia, and seasonal affective disorder—and recognize troubling mental health trends among youth. We also investigate the potential influence of social media and screen time while noting declining social interaction trends, suggesting multiple contributing factors to this mental health crisis.

In lecture two, we continue our study of the complex nature of depression. We cover biological factors like sleep problems, genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, and brain structure, alongside psychological theories such as psychoanalysis, learned helplessness, and cognitive distortions. We also review treatments, from antidepressants and ECT to emerging therapies like ketamine and psychedelics, noting the limited effectiveness of SSRIs for many. Dr. Pihl emphasizes that depression involves multiple distinct conditions, requiring individualized approaches and reflecting a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.

In lecture three, Dr. Pihl explains a range of depression treatments, including ECT, TMS, ketamine, and CBT. He discusses the identification of depression subtypes and explores alternative interventions such as exercise, family meals, and digital apps. Dr. Pihl also provides an in-depth analysis of suicide trends across age, gender, race, profession, and region, debunking common myths and highlighting the complexity of predicting and preventing suicide in diverse populations.