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Van Leeuwen E, Anthierens S, van Driel ML, De Sutter A, De Beir R, Christiaens T. Should I, can I, dare I? Patients' view on stopping long-term antidepressant use, a qualitative study. Acta Clin Belg 2022; 77:962-969. [PMID: 35007191 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2021.2024384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The rise in long-term antidepressant use is concerning. Long-term antidepressant (AD) use, much longer than recommended by guidelines, can result in risk of adverse events and generate unnecessary costs. In order to mitigate these risks, patients views about their antidepressants and how to discontinue need to be taken into account. We aimed to explore patients' experiences and views of discontinuing long-term AD, barriers and facilitators of discontinuation and required support. METHODS Semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted with 14 patients with long-term AD use in primary care. Interviews were analysed thematically. RESULTS Participants describe various perceptions about discontinuation. There is fear of returning to their depression, even in those who were ambivalent about the effectiveness and safety of AD continuation. Participants describe low confidence in their own coping resources, fear of stress, and previous negative experiences with stopping. This enhances their perception of AD dependence. Participants indicate the importance of the support of their GP and their social network to help them withdraw. CONCLUSION Discontinuation of long-term antidepressants is a complex issue for patients. More awareness of the lack of evidence and the potential risks of long-term AD continuation is required. By raising the issue and offering support during discontinuation GPs can help their patients stop AD. A greater focus on non-pharmacological approaches of depression in primary care is needed to reduce unnecessary AD use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Leeuwen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit General Practice Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Unit General Practice Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - An De Sutter
- Unit General Practice Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rani De Beir
- Huisartsenpraktijk Eureka, General Practice “Van Poucke”, Belgium
- Ghent University: Universiteit Gent, Belgium
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Ellen VL, Anthierens S, van Driel ML, Sutter AD, van den Branden E, Christiaens T. 'Never change a winning team': GPs' perspectives on discontinuation of long-term antidepressants. Scand J Prim Health Care 2021; 39:533-542. [PMID: 34895003 PMCID: PMC8725864 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2021.2006487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term antidepressant use, much longer than recommended by guidelines, can harm patients and generate unnecessary costs. Most antidepressants are prescribed by general practitioners (GPs) but it remains unclear why they do not discontinue long-term use. AIM To explore GPs' views and experiences of discontinuing long-term antidepressants, barriers and facilitators of discontinuation and required support. DESIGN AND SETTING Qualitative study in Belgian GPs. METHOD 20 semi-structured face-to-face interviews with GPs. Interviews were analysed thematically. RESULTS The first theme, 'Success stories' describes three strong motivators to discontinue antidepressants: patient health issues, patient requests and a new positive life event. Second, not all GPs consider long-term antidepressant use a 'problem' as they perceive antidepressants as effective and safe. GPs' main concern is the risk of relapse. Third, GPs foresee that discontinuation of antidepressants is not an easy and straightforward process. GPs weigh up whether they have the necessary skills and whether it is worth the effort to start this process. CONCLUSION Discontinuation of long-term antidepressants is a difficult and uncertain process for GPs, especially in the absence of a facilitating life-event or patient demand. The absence of a compelling need for discontinuation and fear of relapse of symptoms in a stable patient are important barriers for GPs when considering discontinuation. In order to increase GPs' motivation to discontinue long-term antidepressants, more emphasis on the futility of the actual effect and on potential harms related to long-term use is needed.KEY POINTSCurrent awareness:Long-term antidepressant use, much longer than recommended by guidelines, can harm patients and generate unnecessary costs.Main statements: • Discontinuation of long-term antidepressants is a difficult and uncertain process for GPs. • More emphasis on the futility of the actual effect of antidepressants and on potential harms related to long-term use is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Leeuwen Ellen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Family Medicine and Population, Health University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mieke L. van Driel
- Faculty of Medicine, Primary Care Clinical Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Thierry Christiaens
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Van Leeuwen E, van Driel ML, Horowitz MA, Kendrick T, Donald M, De Sutter AI, Robertson L, Christiaens T. Approaches for discontinuation versus continuation of long-term antidepressant use for depressive and anxiety disorders in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 4:CD013495. [PMID: 33886130 PMCID: PMC8092632 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013495.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are the most frequent indication for which antidepressants are prescribed. Long-term antidepressant use is driving much of the internationally observed rise in antidepressant consumption. Surveys of antidepressant users suggest that 30% to 50% of long-term antidepressant prescriptions had no evidence-based indication. Unnecessary use of antidepressants puts people at risk of adverse events. However, high-certainty evidence is lacking regarding the effectiveness and safety of approaches to discontinuing long-term antidepressants. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of approaches for discontinuation versus continuation of long-term antidepressant use for depressive and anxiety disorders in adults. SEARCH METHODS We searched all databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) until January 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA We included RCTs comparing approaches to discontinuation with continuation of antidepressants (or usual care) for people with depression or anxiety who are prescribed antidepressants for at least six months. Interventions included discontinuation alone (abrupt or taper), discontinuation with psychological therapy support, and discontinuation with minimal intervention. Primary outcomes were successful discontinuation rate, relapse (as defined by authors of the original study), withdrawal symptoms, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, quality of life, social and occupational functioning, and severity of illness. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures as expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We included 33 studies involving 4995 participants. Nearly all studies were conducted in a specialist mental healthcare service and included participants with recurrent depression (i.e. two or more episodes of depression prior to discontinuation). All included trials were at high risk of bias. The main limitation of the review is bias due to confounding withdrawal symptoms with symptoms of relapse of depression. Withdrawal symptoms (such as low mood, dizziness) may have an effect on almost every outcome including adverse events, quality of life, social functioning, and severity of illness. Abrupt discontinuation Thirteen studies reported abrupt discontinuation of antidepressant. Very low-certainty evidence suggests that abrupt discontinuation without psychological support may increase risk of relapse (hazard ratio (HR) 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59 to 2.74; 1373 participants, 10 studies) and there is insufficient evidence of its effect on adverse events (odds ratio (OR) 1.11, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.99; 1012 participants, 7 studies; I² = 37%) compared to continuation of antidepressants, without specific assessment of withdrawal symptoms. Evidence about the effects of abrupt discontinuation on withdrawal symptoms (1 study) is very uncertain. None of these studies included successful discontinuation rate as a primary endpoint. Discontinuation by "taper" Eighteen studies examined discontinuation by "tapering" (one week or longer). Most tapering regimens lasted four weeks or less. Very low-certainty evidence suggests that "tapered" discontinuation may lead to higher risk of relapse (HR 2.97, 95% CI 2.24 to 3.93; 1546 participants, 13 studies) with no or little difference in adverse events (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.38; 1479 participants, 7 studies; I² = 0%) compared to continuation of antidepressants, without specific assessment of withdrawal symptoms. Evidence about the effects of discontinuation on withdrawal symptoms (1 study) is very uncertain. Discontinuation with psychological support Four studies reported discontinuation with psychological support. Very low-certainty evidence suggests that initiation of preventive cognitive therapy (PCT), or MBCT, combined with "tapering" may result in successful discontinuation rates of 40% to 75% in the discontinuation group (690 participants, 3 studies). Data from control groups in these studies were requested but are not yet available. Low-certainty evidence suggests that discontinuation combined with psychological intervention may result in no or little effect on relapse (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.19; 690 participants, 3 studies) compared to continuation of antidepressants. Withdrawal symptoms were not measured. Pooling data on adverse events was not possible due to insufficient information (3 studies). Discontinuation with minimal intervention Low-certainty evidence from one study suggests that a letter to the general practitioner (GP) to review antidepressant treatment may result in no or little effect on successful discontinuation rate compared to usual care (6% versus 8%; 146 participants, 1 study) or on relapse (relapse rate 26% vs 13%; 146 participants, 1 study). No data on withdrawal symptoms nor adverse events were provided. None of the studies used low-intensity psychological interventions such as online support or a changed pharmaceutical formulation that allows tapering with low doses over several months. Insufficient data were available for the majority of people taking antidepressants in the community (i.e. those with only one or no prior episode of depression), for people aged 65 years and older, and for people taking antidepressants for anxiety. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Currently, relatively few studies have focused on approaches to discontinuation of long-term antidepressants. We cannot make any firm conclusions about effects and safety of the approaches studied to date. The true effect and safety are likely to be substantially different from the data presented due to assessment of relapse of depression that is confounded by withdrawal symptoms. All other outcomes are confounded with withdrawal symptoms. Most tapering regimens were limited to four weeks or less. In the studies with rapid tapering schemes the risk of withdrawal symptoms may be similar to studies using abrupt discontinuation which may influence the effectiveness of the interventions. Nearly all data come from people with recurrent depression. There is an urgent need for trials that adequately address withdrawal confounding bias, and carefully distinguish relapse from withdrawal symptoms. Future studies should report key outcomes such as successful discontinuation rate and should include populations with one or no prior depression episodes in primary care, older people, and people taking antidepressants for anxiety and use tapering schemes longer than 4 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Leeuwen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark A Horowitz
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tony Kendrick
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Maria Donald
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - An Im De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Hengartner MP. How effective are antidepressants for depression over the long term? A critical review of relapse prevention trials and the issue of withdrawal confounding. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320921694. [PMID: 32435449 PMCID: PMC7225779 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320921694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article is to discuss the validity of relapse prevention trials and the issue of withdrawal confounding in these trials. Recommendations for long-term antidepressant treatment are based almost exclusively on discontinuation trials. In these relapse prevention trials, participants with remitted depression are randomised either to have the antidepressant abruptly discontinued and replaced by inert placebo or to continue active treatment. The drug-placebo difference in relapse rates at the end of the maintenance phase is then interpreted as a prophylactic drug effect. These trials consistently produce remarkable benefits for maintenance treatment. However, the internal validity of this trial protocol is compromised, as research has shown that abruptly stopping antidepressants can cause severe withdrawal reactions that lead to (or manifest as) depression relapses. That is, there is substantial withdrawal confounding in discontinuation trials, which renders their findings uninterpretable. It is not clear to what degree the drug-placebo separation in relapse prevention (discontinuation) trials is due to withdrawal reactions, but various estimations suggest that it is presumably the majority. A review of findings based on other methodologies, including real-world long-term effectiveness trials like STAR*D and various naturalistic cohort studies, do not indicate that antidepressants have considerable prophylactic effects. As absence of evidence does not imply evidence of absence, no definitive conclusions can be drawn from the literature. To enable a thorough risk-benefit evaluation, real-world effectiveness trials should not only focus on relapse prevention, but also assess antidepressants' long-term effects on social functioning and quality of life. Thus far, reliable long-term data on these outcome domains are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Hengartner
- Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), PO Box 707, Zurich, CH-8037, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Van Leeuwen E, van Driel ML, De Sutter AIM, Anderson K, Robertson L, Christiaens T. Discontinuation of long-term antidepressant use for depressive and anxiety disorders in adults. Hippokratia 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Leeuwen
- Ghent University; Clinical Pharmacology Unit of the Department of Pharmacology; Ghent Belgium 9000
- Ghent University; Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care; Ghent Belgium
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- The University of Queensland; Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine; Brisbane Queensland Australia 4029
| | - An IM De Sutter
- Ghent University; Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care; Ghent Belgium
| | - Kristen Anderson
- The University of Queensland; School of Pharmacy; Brisbane Australia
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- University of York; Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; Heslington York UK YO10 5DD
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Ghent University; Clinical Pharmacology Unit of the Department of Pharmacology; Ghent Belgium 9000
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A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based? Addict Behav 2019; 97:111-121. [PMID: 30292574 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The U.K.'s current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the American Psychiatric Association's depression guidelines state that withdrawal reactions from antidepressants are 'self-limiting' (i.e. typically resolving between 1 and 2weeks). This systematic review assesses that claim. METHODS A systematic literature review was undertaken to ascertain the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal reactions. We identified 24 relevant studies, with diverse methodologies and sample sizes. RESULTS Withdrawal incidence rates from 14 studies ranged from 27% to 86% with a weighted average of 56%. Four large studies of severity produced a weighted average of 46% of those experiencing antidepressant withdrawal effects endorsing the most extreme severity rating on offer. Seven of the ten very diverse studies providing data on duration contradict the U.K. and U.S.A. withdrawal guidelines in that they found that a significant proportion of people who experience withdrawal do so for more than two weeks, and that it is not uncommon for people to experience withdrawal for several months. The findings of the only four studies calculating mean duration were, for quite heterogeneous populations, 5days, 10days, 43days and 79weeks. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that U.K. and U.S.A. guidelines on antidepressant withdrawal be urgently updated as they are clearly at variance with the evidence on the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal, and are probably leading to the widespread misdiagnosing of withdrawal, the consequent lengthening of antidepressant use, much unnecessary antidepressant prescribing and higher rates of antidepressant prescriptions overall. We also recommend that prescribers fully inform patients about the possibility of withdrawal effects.
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Davies J, Read J, Hengartner MP, Cosci F, Fava G, Chouinard G, van Os J, Nardi A, Gøtzsche P, Groot P, Offidani E, Timimi S, Moncrieff J, Spada M, Guy A. Clinical guidelines on antidepressant withdrawal urgently need updating. BMJ 2019; 365:l2238. [PMID: 31109968 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l2238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Davies
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London SW15 4JD, UK
| | - John Read
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Michael P Hengartner
- School of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Fava
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Guy Chouinard
- Psychiatry Department, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jim van Os
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Antonio Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Peter Groot
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Emanuela Offidani
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sami Timimi
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - Marcantonio Spada
- School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Anne Guy
- All-Party Parliamentary Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence, Houses of Parliament, London, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pilgrim
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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