Not_A_SalesmanOrNarc t1_irl9jz2 wrote on October 9, 2022 at 3:02 AM

Serotonin (the neurotransmitter which most anti-depressants act on) is found in all bilateral animals including worms and insects. Therefore I think it’s likely that virtually all of these organisms can experience some form of depression/serotonin imbalance.

There is research that shows that some lobsters will lose the courage to fight other lobsters, but when they are injected with serotonin they will regain the courage to fight. Many interpret this as evidence that even organisms as simple as lobsters can become depressed. (https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.94.11.5939)

Gotta ask, why do you care about elk?

Somebodynobody29 OP t1_irli3cu wrote on October 9, 2022 at 4:20 AM

I don't know honestly I feel down a hole about animals sharing affection with one another

[deleted] t1_irlj4za wrote on October 9, 2022 at 4:31 AM

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[deleted] t1_irlukqo wrote on October 9, 2022 at 6:45 AM

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fuckthiscentury175 t1_irm8mp5 wrote on October 9, 2022 at 9:56 AM

Serotonin imbalance is not the cause of depression. Also serotonin does diffrent thinfs in different species, especially if they aren't closely related to one another.

Other than that I agree that probably most animals can get some kind of depression or depression like symptoms.