ABSTRACT
A growing number of individuals understand depression as a “chemical imbalance” that requires medication. To others, depression is a disorder that is spiritual at its core. Owing to this divergence of perspective, many assume that biological and spiritual approaches are incompatible. In this chapter we consider (1) the neurobiology of mood and of spirituality; (2) biological treatments for depression; (3) the philosophical and moral implications of biology for approaching conditions associated with depressed mood; and (4) a basis for an integrated perspective.
