Study Suggests Effective Method for Quitting Antidepressants

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that a combination of slow tapering off antidepressants and ongoing psychological support is an effective method for quitting these medications. This analysis, conducted by researchers from France and Italy, reviewed 76 randomized trials involving over 17,000 participants.

The findings indicate that gradually reducing medication over a period longer than four weeks, particularly when accompanied by therapies like cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies, can prevent relapse in about one in five patients when compared to abrupt cessation.

Lead author Giovanni Ostuzzi, a professor at the University of Verona, emphasized that tapering strategies should be personalized to each individual's characteristics and discussed with a specialist. Despite these promising results, the authors caution that the evidence on psychotherapy remains limited, particularly for anxiety, with only 20 percent of the trials addressing it.

Experts not involved in the study warn against interpreting the findings too liberally, noting that 60 to 70 percent of individuals who experience a first depressive episode face the risk of recurrence.

Sameer Jauhar, a clinical associate professor at Imperial College London, highlighted that while tapering can work for some, many patients may still require ongoing pharmacological treatment. The study could influence global practices for discontinuing antidepressants, providing a hopeful outlook for patients wishing to manage their treatment more effectively.