> but your comment brings to mind that one theory of a possible “function” of depression, is as a “sickness behavior” to help isolate a sick animal from others to protect the group. A sheep or cow getting sick and going off on its own is a common thing
It's one explanation of the phenomenon. I'm not remotely convinced by it, but that doesn't mean I think it's untrue.
What I do think we can conclude is that we have no evidence depression is caused by infection. (Singularly and universally, as OP implies.) With higher confidence I believe I can conclude that interrogating chatbots designed to keep your attention is a poor way to resolve this.
> we have no evidence depression is caused by infection
Besides talking to patients and reading case files.
You can wait another decade or three for someone to spend the money on a specific study that meets your individual criteria (I'm sure very high), for doing obvious things like:
1.) Treating known infections, testing for others,
and
2.) Addressing nutritional gaps, as well as tracking circadian/endocrine, and nervous symptoms (which often intertwine with depression symptoms!)
but I will not wait.
I'd prefer to no longer be depressed, and/or unwell.
So I'll do the obvious things – even if they're not obvious to you, yet.
It's one explanation of the phenomenon. I'm not remotely convinced by it, but that doesn't mean I think it's untrue.
What I do think we can conclude is that we have no evidence depression is caused by infection. (Singularly and universally, as OP implies.) With higher confidence I believe I can conclude that interrogating chatbots designed to keep your attention is a poor way to resolve this.