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Raballo A, Poletti M, Preti A. Do antidepressants prevent transition to psychosis in individuals at clinical high-risk (CHR-P)? Systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2023; 53:4550-4560. [PMID: 35655405 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722001428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging meta-analytical evidence indicates that baseline exposure to antipsychotics in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P) is associated with a higher risk of an imminent transition to psychosis. Despite their tolerability profile and potential beneficial effects, baseline exposure to antidepressants (AD) in CHR-P has surprisingly received far less attention as a potential risk modulator for transition to psychosis. The current systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to fix such a knowledge gap. METHODS Systematic scrutiny of Medline and Cochrane library, performed up to 1 August 2021, searching for English-language studies on CHR-P reporting numeric data about the sample, the transition outcome at a predefined follow-up time and raw data on AD baseline exposure in relation to such outcome. RESULTS Of 1942 identified records, 16 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. 26% of the participants were already exposed to AD at baseline; at the end of the follow-up 13.5% (95% CI 10.2-17.1%) of them (n = 448) transitioned to psychosis against 21.0% (18.9 to 23.3%) of non-AD exposed CHR-P (n = 1371). CHR-P participants who were already under AD treatment at baseline had a lower risk of transition than non-AD exposed CHR-P. The RR was 0.71 (95% CI 0.56-0.90) in the fixed-effects model (z = -2.79; p = 0.005), and 0.78 (0.58-1.05) in the random-effects model (z = -1.77; p = 0.096; tau-squared = 0.059). There was no relevant heterogeneity (Cochran's Q = 18.45; df = 15; p = 0.239; I2 = 18.7%). CONCLUSIONS Ongoing AD exposure at inception in CHR-P is associated to a reduced risk of transition to psychosis at follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Raballo
- Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Center for Translational, Phenomenological and Developmental Psychopathology (CTPDP), Perugia University Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Poletti
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addiction, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Service, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Antonio Preti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Cohen ZD, DeRubeis RJ, Hayes R, Watkins ER, Lewis G, Byng R, Byford S, Crane C, Kuyken W, Dalgleish T, Schweizer S. The development and internal evaluation of a predictive model to identify for whom Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) offers superior relapse prevention for recurrent depression versus maintenance antidepressant medication. Clin Psychol Sci 2023; 11:59-76. [PMID: 36698442 PMCID: PMC7614103 DOI: 10.1177/21677026221076832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Depression is highly recurrent, even following successful pharmacological and/or psychological intervention. We aimed to develop clinical prediction models to inform adults with recurrent depression choosing between antidepressant medication (ADM) maintenance or switching to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Using data from the PREVENT trial (N=424), we constructed prognostic models using elastic net regression that combined demographic, clinical and psychological factors to predict relapse at 24 months under ADM or MBCT. Only the ADM model (discrimination performance: AUC=.68) predicted relapse better than baseline depression severity (AUC=.54; one-tailed DeLong's test: z=2.8, p=.003). Individuals with the poorest ADM prognoses who switched to MBCT had better outcomes compared to those who maintained ADM (48% vs. 70% relapse, respectively; superior survival times [z=-2.7, p=.008]). For individuals with moderate-to-good ADM prognosis, both treatments resulted in similar likelihood of relapse. If replicated, the results suggest that predictive modeling can inform clinical decision-making around relapse prevention in recurrent depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rachel Hayes
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South West Peninsula, University of Exeter
| | | | - Glyn Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, Faulty of Brain Sciences, University College London
- Community Primary Care Research Group, University of Plymouth
| | - Richard Byng
- Community Primary Care Research Group, University of Plymouth
- National Institute of Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, South West Peninsula, England
| | - Sarah Byford
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London
| | - Catherine Crane
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, England
| | - Susanne Schweizer
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales
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Waters K. The clinical utility of newer antidepressant agents: Understanding the role in management of MDD. Ment Health Clin 2022; 12:309-319. [PMID: 36405509 PMCID: PMC9645287 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2022.10.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Whereas MDD is characterized in part by changes in mood, other symptoms can also cause significant impairment, including sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and fatigue. Newer antidepressants are explored with the goal of more optimally treating these non–mood-related symptoms of MDD. The 3 oral antidepressants that have been FDA-approved most recently include vortioxetine, vilazodone, and levomilnacipran. Unique features of these antidepressants are explored through 3 patient cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Waters
- 1 (Corresponding author) Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut,
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4
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Zhang Z, Cai X, Liang Y, Zhang R, Liu X, Lu L, Huang Y. Electroacupuncture as a rapid-onset and safer complementary therapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1012606. [PMID: 36684018 PMCID: PMC9853905 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1012606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) is a promising therapy for depression. However, a comprehensive review of EA for depression is needed. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA for depression. Potentially relevant trials and reviews were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL from inception to March 2022. EA alone and combined with other therapy were eligible for inclusion. The severity of depression during and after treatment and the number of adverse events were assessed as outcomes. Risk of bias (ROB) evaluation, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, reporting bias assessment, and GRADE system evaluation were also conducted. RESULTS Thirty-four trials were included. The overall ROB was medium. Low-quality evidence showed that the efficacy of EA was not less than that of antidepressants [EA + selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)] and manual acupuncture (MA). EA and EA + SSRIs had better efficacy than SSRIs alone in decreasing the severity of depression during the early treatment. Moderate-quality evidence also showed that EA and EA + SSRIs were safer than SSRIs alone. Sensitivity analysis was mostly not feasible. Major publication bias was unlikely. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the efficacy of EA is not less than that of antidepressants and MA. Moreover, EA and EA + SSRI treatments show a more rapid onset and greater safety than SSRIs. More high-quality trials are needed for further confirmation. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_ record.php?RecordID=329143], identifier [CRD42022329143].
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhinan Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaowen Cai
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuying Liang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liming Lu
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Fava GA, Cosci F, Guidi J, Rafanelli C. The Deceptive Manifestations of Treatment Resistance in Depression: A New Look at the Problem. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 89:265-273. [PMID: 32325457 DOI: 10.1159/000507227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jenny Guidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Rafanelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,
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Cosci F, Chouinard G. Acute and Persistent Withdrawal Syndromes Following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 89:283-306. [PMID: 32259826 DOI: 10.1159/000506868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies on psychotropic medications decrease, discontinuation, or switch have uncovered withdrawal syndromes. The present overview aimed at analyzing the literature to illustrate withdrawal after decrease, discontinuation, or switch of psychotropic medications based on the drug class (i.e., benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists, antidepressants, ketamine, antipsychotics, lithium, mood stabilizers) according to the diagnostic criteria of Chouinard and Chouinard [Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):63-71], which encompass new withdrawal symptoms, rebound symptoms, and persistent post-withdrawal disorders. All these drugs may induce withdrawal syndromes and rebound upon discontinuation, even with slow tapering. However, only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and antipsychotics were consistently also associated with persistent post-withdrawal disorders and potential high severity of symptoms, including alterations of clinical course, whereas the distress associated with benzodiazepines discontinuation appears to be short-lived. As a result, the common belief that benzodiazepines should be substituted by medications that cause less dependence such as antidepressants and antipsychotics runs counter the available literature. Ketamine, and probably its derivatives, may be classified as at high risk for dependence and addiction. Because of the lag phase that has taken place between the introduction of a drug into the market and the description of withdrawal symptoms, caution is needed with the use of newer antidepressants and antipsychotics. Within medication classes, alprazolam, lorazepam, triazolam, paroxetine, venlafaxine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, clozapine, and quetiapine are more likely to induce withdrawal. The likelihood of withdrawal manifestations that may be severe and persistent should thus be taken into account in clinical practice and also in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, .,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands,
| | - Guy Chouinard
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Program, McGill University and Mental Health Institute of Montreal Fernand Seguin Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Jang YJ, Lim SW, Moon YK, Kim SY, Lee H, Kim S, Kim DK. 5-HTTLPR-rs25531 and Antidepressant Treatment Outcomes in Korean Patients with Major Depression. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2021; 54:269-278. [PMID: 33979867 DOI: 10.1055/a-1478-4574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the ethnic differences in 5-HTTLPR (S allele relates to better antidepressant response in Korean and Japanese people, while L allele with better response in Caucasians), it is unclear whether 5-HTTLPR and its high expression locus rs25531 are interactively associated with antidepressant treatment outcome. We investigated the individual and interaction effects of these polymorphisms on antidepressant treatment outcomes in the Korean population. METHODS A total of 464 Korean subjects with major depressive disorder completed 6 weeks of antidepressant monotherapy. Venous blood was extracted for genotyping 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. We used logistic regression analyses to verify the main and interaction effects of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 on response and remission after antidepressant treatment. RESULTS After adjusting for covariates, the SS genotype of 5-HTTLPR was significantly associated with better treatment outcomes (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]=2.435 [1.551, 3.823] in response; p<0.001, OR [95% CI]=2.912 [1.730, 4.903] in remission), while G-containing genotype (AG+GG) of rs25531 was only associated with remission (p=0.034, OR [95% CI]=2.104 [1.058, 4.181]). The interaction effect of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 on response and remission was insignificant (all p>0.05). DISCUSSION Our findings suggest variations in allelic frequency and functionality of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 among the different ethnicities. We found a minor advantage of rs25531 in achieving remission. However, there was no interaction effect with 5-HTTLPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Jin Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shinn-Won Lim
- Department of Health Sciences and have used the tri-allelic notationTechnology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Kyung Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Yeon Kim
- Center for Clinical Research, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Lee
- Center for Clinical Research, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seonwoo Kim
- Statistics and Data Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Doh Kwan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Health Sciences and have used the tri-allelic notationTechnology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
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8
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Framer A. What I have learnt from helping thousands of people taper off antidepressants and other psychotropic medications. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:2045125321991274. [PMID: 33796265 PMCID: PMC7970174 DOI: 10.1177/2045125321991274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although psychiatric drug withdrawal syndromes have been recognized since the 1950s - recent studies confirm antidepressant withdrawal syndrome incidence upwards of 40% - medical information about how to safely go off the drugs has been lacking. To fill this gap, over the last 25 years, patients have developed a robust Internet-based subculture of peer support for tapering off psychiatric drugs and recovering from withdrawal syndrome. This account from the founder of such an online community covers lessons learned from thousands of patients regarding common experiences with medical providers, identification of adverse drug reactions, risk factors for withdrawal, tapering techniques, withdrawal symptoms, protracted withdrawal syndrome, and strategies to cope with symptoms, in the context of the existing scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Framer
- SurvivingAntidepressants.org, San Francisco,
California, USA
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9
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Cosci F, Mansueto G, Fava GA. Relapse prevention in recurrent major depressive disorder. A comparison of different treatment options based on clinical experience and a critical review of the literature. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2020; 24:341-348. [PMID: 32716222 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2020.1779308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing the risk of relapses is a critical component of major depressive disorders treatment. Guidelines suggest maintenance with antidepressant drugs in recurrent depression, but this solution has recently been questioned. OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to provide a critical review of the literature of the main treatment options currently available to prevent relapse and recurrence in depression. METHODS We compared long-term antidepressant therapy (i.e., indefinite maintenance of antidepressant), intermittent antidepressant therapy (i.e., use of antidepressants mainly limited to the acute phases), use of psychotherapy in the sequential model (i.e., pharmacotherapy in the acute phase and psychotherapy in the residual phase). RESULTS We argue that the same solution may not apply to all patients and question the feasibility of a single course of treatment in the setting of complex disorders that are encountered in practice. The clinician should weigh advantages and disadvantages in the individual case. CONCLUSIONS The sequential model appears to be particularly indicated in recurrent depression. KEY POINTS Relapse is a major challenge of depressive disorders treatment Treatment options currently available include long-term antidepressants, intermittent antidepressants, addition of psychotherapy to pharmacotherapy in the sequential model Maintenance with antidepressants in recurrent depression has recently been questioned The sequential model appears to be particularly indicated in recurrent depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Mansueto
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Andrea Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Ormel J, Bosker FJ, Hollon SD, Ruhe HG. Can loss of agency and oppositional perturbation associated with antidepressant monotherapy and low-fidelity psychological treatment dilute the benefits of guideline-consistent depression treatment at the population level? Eur Psychiatry 2020; 63:e89. [PMID: 32951616 PMCID: PMC7576525 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2020.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major expansions of evidence-based treatments of common mental disorders in recent decades, especially antidepressant medication, the point prevalence of depression has not decreased; instead it probably increased in young adults. We question whether antidepressants (AD)-monotherapy and low-fidelity-to-guideline psychological treatment (PT) might have no effect or even adverse effects in some patients and contexts that dilute the benefits of treatment at the population level, making it harder for population-based studies to detect treatment-driven prevalence reductions. Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT)s have not identified these effects because AD-monotherapy and low-fidelity PT are uncommon in RCTs where treatment protocols are specified and carefully monitored, unlike treatment in real-world settings. Second, RCTs may have missed the bigger picture of ultimate outcomes due to too short follow-ups. We elaborate two mechanisms through which AD-monotherapy and low-fidelity PT could produce adverse effects on long-term illness course. Both mechanisms are speculative and we outline how to test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Ormel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fokko J Bosker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Steven D Hollon
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Henricus G Ruhe
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Henssler J, Heinz A, Brandt L, Bschor T. Antidepressant Withdrawal and Rebound Phenomena. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 116:355-361. [PMID: 31288917 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. They are often discontinued, frequently without the knowledge of the prescribing physician. It is, therefore, important for physicians to be aware of the withdrawal and rebound phenomena that may arise, in order to prevent these phenomena, treat them when necessary, and counsel patients appropriately. METHODS This review is based on a comprehensive, structured literature search on antidepressant withdrawal phenomena that we carried out in the CENTRAL, PubMed (Medline), and Embase databases. We classified the relevant publications and reports by their methodological quality. RESULTS Out of a total of 2287 hits, there were 40 controlled trials, 38 cohort studies and retrospective analyses, and 271 case reports that met the inclusion criteria. Withdrawal manifestations are usually mild and self-limiting; common ones include dizziness, headache, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. More serious or pro- longed manifestations rarely arise. There is an increased risk with MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, venlafaxine, and paroxetine; on the other hand, for agome- latine and fluoxetine, abrupt discontinuation seems to be unproblematic. There is also some evidence of rebound phenomena, i.e., of higher relapse rates or especially severe relapses of depression after the discontinuation of an anti- depressant. CONCLUSION A robust evidence base now indicates that there can be acute with- drawal phenomena when antidepressants are discontinued. Putative rebound phenomena have not been adequately studied to date. It is recommended that antidepressants should be tapered off over a period of more than four weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Henssler
- Psychiatric University Hospital Charité at St. Hedwig Hospital, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Department of Psychiatry, Schlosspark-Klinik, Berlin; University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin
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Fava GA, Rafanelli C. Iatrogenic Factors in Psychopathology. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2020; 88:129-140. [PMID: 31085917 DOI: 10.1159/000500151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Chiara Rafanelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,
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13
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Fava GA. May antidepressant drugs worsen the conditions they are supposed to treat? The clinical foundations of the oppositional model of tolerance. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320970325. [PMID: 33224471 PMCID: PMC7649913 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320970325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years there has been a considerable debate on antidepressant drugs. Continued drug treatment with antidepressant medications may stimulate processes that run counter to the initial acute effects of a drug. The oppositional model of tolerance may explain loss of treatment efficacy during maintenance treatment and the fact that some side effects tend to occur only after a certain time. These processes may also direct the illness into a treatment-unresponsive course, including manifestations of bipolar disorder or paradoxical reactions. When drug treatment ends, oppositional processes no longer encounter resistance, resulting in potential onset of new withdrawal symptoms, persistent post-withdrawal disorders, hypomania, and resistance to treatment if it is reinstituted. In all these cases, antidepressant medications may constitute a form of iatrogenic comorbidity, which increases chronicity and vulnerability to depressive episodes. Antidepressant medications are essential drugs for the treatment of major depressive episodes. They are less likely, however, to provide protection for relapse prevention. Current prescription practices need to be reformulated in light of consideration of vulnerabilities and adverse effects of treatment. The oppositional model of tolerance provides a conceptual framework for weighing all these elements in the individual case. The model does not appear to apply to all patients who undergo treatment with AD, but only to a part of them. Studying the variables that are associated with such occurrence in certain patients and not in others would be one of the most important tasks of current therapeutic research. Current diagnostic systems in psychiatry do not consider the iatrogenic components of psychopathology, and can be applied to only patients who are drug free. They are suited for a patient who no longer exists: most of the cases that are seen in psychiatric clinical practice receive psychotropic drugs and such treatment is likely to affect prognosis and treatment choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
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