Italian scientists examined 76 scientific papers that reviewed data on over 17,000 patients. The research indicated that a gradual reduction in antidepressant dosage, combined with psychotherapy, lessens the likelihood of a relapse of depressive and anxious disorders.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting approximately 5% of adults globally. Antidepressants play a vital role in treating depression by influencing the brain’s neurotransmitter systems. However, protocols for concluding medicinal treatment remain unstandardized.
Abruptly stopping antidepressants often provokes withdrawal syndrome, manifesting as anxiety, sleeplessness, and mood instability. Unified guidelines for safe dose tapering are still absent.
An international team of researchers reviewed data from 76 studies focused on investigating different methods of discontinuing antidepressant use. Participants had remission from depressive and anxious disorders, with an average age around 45 years. Most participants were female (68%).
The scientists compared several antidepressant discontinuation strategies:
Abrupt cessation of intake;
Rapid dose reduction over four weeks;
Gradual dose reduction spanning more than four weeks;
Lowering the dose to half the minimum effective level;
Continuation of current treatment.
The outcomes demonstrated that sudden stopping of antidepressants approximately doubles the chance of relapse compared to a slow dose tapering. Incorporating psychotherapy managed to lower the probability of recurrence by 40–60%.
Maintaining the present dosage proved as effective as controlled, gradual reduction. This emphasizes the significance of an informed approach to concluding therapy for the safe discontinuation of medications.
The investigators observe that antidepressants are effective in managing depression, but the methods for their long-term use and discontinuation require reevaluation. The lack of clear clinical advice and insufficient psychological support create certain hurdles.
The findings obtained may form the basis for creating international guidelines for the safe and gradual conclusion of therapy in patients experiencing remission.
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