Antidepressant Use May Not Prevent Depression Relapse

While the effectiveness of antidepressant medication in treating the symptoms of depression is rarely questioned, a growing concern about relapse of depression symptoms has sparked recent controversy. Recently, a study analyzed statistics of depression relapse in patients who stopped taking antidepressant medications, and it was discovered that at least two-thirds of patients who will relapse would do so in the first six months of stopping medication for depression. The study was undertaken to determine the role that antidepressant medication plays in the depression relapse after remission of symptoms and ways to help prevent future episodes of depression.

The study, led by Brian Briscoe, M.D. of the University of Louisville, Kentucky, analyzed research from 16 studies on antidepressants and prevention of depression in order to ascertain an understanding of medication’s effect on depression relapse. It also aimed to address the growing controversy about the effectiveness of long-term use of antidepressants in preventing future bouts of depression. The studies used in this project focused on patients who were treated for at least three bouts of major depression and successfully attained remission of all symptoms for at least four weeks after the last episode. Patients were then assigned to take either an antidepressant medication or a placebo.

After eighteen months of antidepressant or placebo treatment, relapse rates were analyzed and it was determined that 10% to 30% of patients on the antidepressant medication relapsed, while 25% to 80% of patients taking the placebo relapsed. Overall, patients on the placebo regimen worsened in terms of depression relapse, but the rate of relapse in those study participants taking an antidepressant was significantly high, as well, indicating that relapse is likely despite medicinal assistance.

Overall, the study determined that 67% to 85% of patients on the placebo relapsed within six months, with most of the relapse episodes occurring within the first month of stopping regular treatment with an antidepressant medication. Dr. Briscoe, summarizing the study’s findings stated, “If you don’t get depressed within the first six months after coming off the medication, you may not be at any higher risk of being depressed than any other patient.”