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Sabrina Philippe (Psychologist)
Taking antidepressants does not significantly improve general well-being, according to Saudi researchers. To arrive at these results, 17.5 million American adults suffering from depression were examined.
Difficulties working, anxiety, insomnia, irritability… Depression is manifested by many disabling symptoms on a daily basis. Several treatments – variable depending on the severity of the depression – can fight against the disease.
Antidepressants, however, are less effective than they appear, according to a large study conducted by King Saud University (Saudi Arabia).
Depression: antidepressants, not very effective?
While countless studies have already shown the effectiveness of antidepressants against depressive disorders, the effect of these drugs on the general well-being of patients remains controversial.
According to a new study published on April 20, 2022 in the journal Plos Onethe use of antidepressants would not be associated with a better “quality of life”.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers used data from a large longitudinal study tracking the health services used by Americans (MEPS, 2005-2015). To carry out this work, approximately 17.47 million patients were diagnosed with depression each year.
They were then followed for two years.
- 57.6% of them were receiving treatment with antidepressants;
- The rest were not taking medication.
The two groups were then examined on the basis of different physical and mental components.
Result: a slight improvement in mental health was observed in both groups, whether or not they were on antidepressants. Against this backdrop, scientists have called for longer-term studies in patients on antidepressants to assess their effects on quality of life.
Independent experts, however, said “that it was impossible to draw strong conclusions from the study, as people receiving the drugs were generally more depressed at the start, and so this was not a fair comparison”reveals the Daily Mail.
The “miracle” pill does not exist
Health experts are unanimous on this subject: antidepressants are not “miracle pills”, saving patients suffering from depression. They represent a valuable aid, restore energy to the patient, but do not solve everything.
“Antidepressants act on serotonin and restart a system that has been slowed down. It is a chemical reality. They restore energy to the patient. But antidepressants without therapy don’t help much. We must not only know what to do with this “energy” but also wonder about the causes of depression”warns Sabrina Philippe, psychologist.
The use of antidepressants must therefore be framed and supported. These are not there to make “happy”, concludes the specialist.
Note that prolonged use of antidepressants promotes a state of dependence which can cause intense withdrawal symptoms.