Gradually reducing the dosage of antidepressants combined with a course of psychotherapy helps patients avoid a relapse of depression. This conclusion was reached by researchers who analyzed the results of 76 clinical studies involving more than 17,000 people.

The Scale of the Depression Problem

According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the most common and serious mental health issues, affecting over 5% of the adult population worldwide. Antidepressants are used to treat this condition by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters—chemical substances that transmit signals between nerve cells. Although these medications stabilize patients' emotional states, the question of how and when to safely discontinue drug therapy remains unresolved.

Risks of Stopping Antidepressants

Improper discontinuation of antidepressants can lead to withdrawal syndrome, which manifests as anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings. To date, there are still no unified clinical guidelines for the gradual cessation of therapy.

New Study: How to Safely Stop Taking Medications

To determine the safest and most effective way to discontinue medication support for depression, an international research team led by Debora Zaccoletti from the University of Verona (Italy) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 76 randomized controlled trials carried out over the past ten years.

The analysis included adult patients with remission of depression or anxiety disorders who had been taking antidepressants. The average age of participants was 45 years, and 68% were women. In most cases, the studies focused on depression (79%), with fewer addressing anxiety disorders.

Comparison of Discontinuation Strategies

The researchers compared several strategies for stopping medication: abrupt discontinuation, rapid dose reduction (up to four weeks), slow dose reduction (more than four weeks), partial reduction (to 50% of the minimum effective dose), and continuation of therapy without changes. Patients were monitored for an average of 46 weeks.

The results showed that symptoms of depression and anxiety were more likely to return after abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants. Among patients who stopped medication without preparation, the risk of relapse was nearly twice as high as in those who gradually reduced their dose. Conversely, slow dose reduction combined with psychotherapy reduced the risk of recurrence by 40–60% compared to abrupt withdrawal. Continuing antidepressants at the usual dose was found to be as effective as gradual discontinuation under specialist supervision. This suggests that with the right strategy, many patients can stop medication without risking a return of the illness.

Significance of the Results and Further Recommendations

The study authors note that antidepressants still play an important role in treating moderate and severe depression, but indefinite use is not the optimal solution. The main issue is the lack of clear clinical guidelines and insufficient psychological support during medication withdrawal.

The data obtained could form the basis for international recommendations on gradual and supervised discontinuation of psychotropic drugs in cases of remission of depression and anxiety disorders.