In a more serious follow up to my drug interactions article, last week the Food and Drug Administration ordered antidepressants such as Paxil and Zoloft to be labeled with a black box warning. The warning specifically highlights the increased risk of suicide in individuals younger then 25. This result was the conclusion of debate and observational studies.
The link of suicide to antidepressants gained national attention when congress convened to hear testimony from people across the nation who witnessed behavioral changes in their loved ones. Sitting there in front of someone describing the destructive nature of a family or friend, eventually taking her or her own life might have been the reason for the FDA to enact the new law. As a precautionary measure it will lower the prescription rate of antidepressants, but only time will tell if it has any effect.
When groups of scientists, psychologists, and child behavioral specialists gave their testimony of the topic, they found a weak correlation between the suicide rate and antidepressants. This testimony corroborated with the scientific research which found the rate no different then that of the placebo.
Some believe that the warning should include ages past 25, while others believe the research is correct. With about 12 million prescriptions of antidepressants last year, there is less then a half percent chance of a drug interaction according to Medco, a Prescription management company.
Searching for a way to explain the increased consumption of antidepressants, one explanation is poor nutrition. According to nutritional experts the brain needs to maintain a delicate chemical balance. It might surprise a few to know the brain produces its own small supply of natural pain killer called endorphins. They are more commonly known in popular culture as “endorphins”. Nutritionists believe a healthy diet and exercise are important to good mental health. Other possible factors of increased depression in the world could be societal, environmental, and economical. So, if your depressed is medication the only answer, fortunately the answer is no.
According to a study by the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh, a research study was done on 233 women with chronic depression. The participants were randomly assigned to either a group that received psychotherapy and antidepressant medication or therapy alone. The group that received therapy alone on average remained in remission for at least 2 years. Comparing that to the other group who experienced difficulty staying well once they stopped talking antidepressants, which accounted for a nearly 50 percent rate of depression reoccurring in later group. In the group getting therapy alone, the recurrence rate was 26 percent. Specifically the study concluded that people taking antidepressants need to continuously take them throughout for the therapy to be successful. This is good news for individuals wondering if medication is the only answer, as they have a good chance of remission without the help of antidepressants.
As the new warning is only an advisory, it’s always good to balance the benefits with the possible complications with any new medication. It’s highly recommended to always consult your medical doctor, but remember it’s up to the person themselves which treatment is right for them.
Source doc American Journal of Psychiatry (subscription)
