Approaches for discontinuation versus continuation of long-term antidepressant use for depressive and anxiety disorders in adults
Abstract
Editorial note: This editorial note has been published by the editors of Cochrane to alert readers that the following study included in this systematic review has an associated retraction. Associated studies with retractions of one or more study reports: Hollon SD, DeRubeis RJ, Fawcett J, Amsterdam JD, Shelton RC, Zajecka J, et al. Effect of cognitive therapy with antidepressant medications vs antidepressants alone on the rate of recovery in major depressive disorder: a randomised clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(10):1157–64. An assessment into the impact of removing this study on the review’s findings and conclusions is currently underway. Further editorial updates will be provided once this assessment is complete.
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.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 4,995 participants or records.
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