Final answer:
Dr. Hernandez would most likely describe herself as a Psychiatrist or Psychologist, as both professions are involved in studying and treating mental health issues, focused on neurotransmitter abnormalities related to disorders like depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Hernandez, who is studying neurotransmitter abnormalities in depressed patients, would likely describe herself as either a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and treat mental disorders, often using prescription medications to restore neurotransmitter balance and alleviate symptoms of disorders like depression. They have a medical degree with specialized training in psychiatry. Psychologists, especially those with a biological perspective, focus on the physiological causes of behavior and can also conduct research into how imbalances in neurotransmitter systems may be associated with psychological disorders. Both professions work on understanding and treating mental health issues, although psychiatrists can prescribe medication while psychologists typically cannot.
Research into the role of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, in depression is integral to developing effective treatments. Antidepressants, for example, work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, thereby controlling symptoms for many individuals with depression. This is part of a broader range of therapies for depression, which can also include psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, deep-brain stimulation, and other classes of antidepressant medications that affect neurotransmitters in different ways.