Is Depression an Evolutionary Survival Mechanism? Evolutionary Psychology says yes

The burgeoning field of evolutionary psychology is looking at mental illnesses such as depression in a new light. Instead of being labeled as "disorders" they see them as evolutionary tactics unconsciously used to acquire support that they otherwise might not get. Evolutionary psychologists see crying as possibly an evolutionary adaptation to attract social support.

According to one evolutionary psychology proponent, "modern day depression is a mismatch between "human beings adapted for hunger-gatherer societies and the contemporary world."

Evolutionary psychology sees the mind as a set of evolved mechanisms, or adaptations, that have promoted survival and reproduction. Evolutionary psychopathology — abnormal psychology through an evolutionary lens — looks at what has gone wrong.

Daniel Nettle, a psychology professor at the University of Newcastle, in England, says:

"For our ancestors, it was quite useful to follow impulses strongly and spontaneously," he says, while today, with temptations to indulge at every turn, "suddenly, [these people] have a disorder."

Some believe that attempting to "block" the symptoms of depression (for example through medication) might be hurting the body's natural defenses.

Therapies based on evolutionary psychology include group therapy sessions and lifestyle changes to "live more like their Paleolithic ancestors...including aerobic exercise, ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids, light positive social interaction, substituting activity for rumination; and increased sleep."

It should be noted that evolutionary psychology is a very new field and its therapies are still being tested. Furthermore, it is not without its critics. Many clinical psychologists remain more than skeptical of both the approach and the treatments based on it.

Post is adapted from a Los Angeles Times article (link).