Is low self-esteem, a brain chemical imbalance problem, rather than a personality defect, and can't be fixed by any amount of counselling/self-help?

Question

I am asking this question because I recently observed something within myself:- I think I used to be a Borderliner plus Bipolar. I was very sensitive, and slightest of events will either induce mania in me or will just thrash me into severe depression and low self-esteem. But since I am taking a certain medication, I have observed that I am now not experiencing above mentioned behavior within me. I am much more resilient to criticism.

Answer 1

Low self-esteem may be caused by a number of factors, including low levels of serotonin. Conversely, high levels of serotonin are correlated with high self-esteem. The textbook Biological Psychology (Breedlove, 2013) discusses the role of neurotransmitters in well-being and cognitive function.

Some medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase levels of serotonin, allowing individuals to feel less depressed and more confident.

Breedlove, M. (2013). Biological Pyschology. Sinauer Associates Is.