The largest study to date on antidepressants is conclusive: They must be discontinued slowly and with therapy

"The largest study published to date is clear: the only way to stop taking antidepressants is slowly and with psychological support. Doing so prevents relapse into depression to a similar extent as remaining on antidepressants. This study, published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry, is relevant for several reasons: 30% of people who are prescribed antidepressants do not actually have depression; 40% take them for five years or more; and 22% take them indefinitely."

"However, this treatment has adverse side effects if taken for a long time, particularly sexual dysfunction and a reduced ability to express feelings. The study, which reviews 76 controlled trials involving 17,000 people, underscores the importance of tailoring the prescription to each individual, with a gradual and individualized withdrawal of treatment, along with psychological support. Depression is often a recurring condition and without continuous treatment; up to three out of four people with depression relapse at some point,"

Seventy-six controlled trials involving 17,000 people were analyzed and found that slow antidepressant withdrawal (more than four weeks) combined with psychological support prevented relapse over the following year to a similar extent as continuing medication. Long-term antidepressant use is common: 30% of people prescribed them do not have depression, 40% take them for five years or more, and 22% take them indefinitely. Long-term use carries adverse effects, especially sexual dysfunction and reduced emotional expressiveness. Depression often recurs, with up to three in four people relapsing without continuous treatment. Guidelines recommend continuation after remission then individualized discontinuation with psychological support.

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