Reevaluating Antidepressant Withdrawal: Short-Term Studies and Long-Term Risks

Recent analysis highlights significant oversight in understanding antidepressant withdrawal, especially among long-term users. A new review in JAMA Psychiatry, authored by academics with ties to pharmaceutical companies, relies heavily on short-term, industry-funded studies—those lasting eight to 12 weeks—and concludes that withdrawal symptoms are minimal and not clinically significant. This perspective risks underestimating the real dangers faced by individuals who cease long-term antidepressant treatment.

Contrary to these findings, substantial evidence indicates that withdrawal effects become more pronounced with prolonged use. Research involving NHS patients shows that individuals using antidepressants for over two years are ten times more likely to experience withdrawal, with many enduring severe or long-lasting symptoms. For over 75% of short-term users, withdrawal is mild and brief, but among long-term users, about one-third report symptoms lasting more than three months, and many are unable to stop despite adverse effects.

The issue is urgent, as millions in the UK and US have been on antidepressants for more than five years—approximately 2 million in England alone. The reality of withdrawal is complex, overlapping with side effects and everyday symptoms, yet more intense and debilitating when prolonged. Studying only short-term effects is akin to testing vehicle safety at minimal speeds, ignoring real-world conditions.

The recent JAMA Psychiatry review relies on trials that inadequately assess long-term withdrawal risks, and many of these studies, funded by the pharmaceutical industry, suggest that withdrawal symptoms are comparable to placebo effects. However, this stance overlooks high-quality studies demonstrating significant withdrawal issues, including the fact that over 60% of long-term users report withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation.

Furthermore, the review dismisses the possibility that cessation-related depression might be a recurrence rather than withdrawal, based on unreliable data. This skepticism risks delaying essential policy changes and support efforts for millions suffering from withdrawal complications. Recognizing the true scope of withdrawal effects is critical for developing effective guidelines and supporting patients in safely stopping antidepressants.

In summary, evidence suggests that long-term antidepressant use significantly increases the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, and current industry-influenced reviews tend to underestimate these risks. More comprehensive, long-term research is crucial for accurately understanding and addressing antidepressant withdrawal.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-antidepressant-downplays-symptoms-term.html