3 ms·

> The study was not able to separately analyze any subtypes or varying severities of depression. The authors say that future studies should investigate the use

> The study was not able to separately analyze any subtypes or varying severities of depression. The authors say that future studies should investigate the use of non-pharmacological depression interventions used in combination with antidepressants. > The authors add: "Although we still need our patients with depression to continue using their antidepressant medications, long-term studies evaluating the actual impact for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions on these patients' quality of life is needed. With that being said, the role of cognitive and behavioral interventions on the long term-management of depression needs to be further evaluated in an efforts to improve the ultimate goal of care for these patients; improving their overall quality of life." This was not a fantastically designed, rigorous study. I would be interested to see if this is enough to follow-up with a better study, though, as anti-depressants tend to be barely better than placebo [1], with a lot of ugly side effects. *IMPORTANT NOTE*: If you are currently on antidepressants or any mental health medication and they're working for you, do not let this article or comment section influence you to go off meds without talking to your doctor. [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4172306/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4172306/

NoPie 5y ago
I would definitely emphasise the same – do not take the conclusions of this study as a proof to stop antidepressants. First of all, be careful of single studies that may be biased. In this case I don't even know if life in Saudi Arabia might have some specific features that are not applicable in western countries. And generally long-term studies do not have a good track record. For example, many studies about long term effect of certain diet on health outcomes have disappointed.
- FollowingTheDao 5y ago
  Until studies take genetics into account there will be no progress.
  - ncmncm 4y ago
    Until we have means to objectively distinguish between many different pathologies all labeled as "depression", other than by what medication they respond to, there will be no progress. And, all RCTs purporting to show no effect will remain worth less than the paper they are printed on. And, claims based on these RCTs will be, at best, ignorant; at worst, dishonest. If you have read this and continue repeating such claims, you have moved to the "dishonest" column.
- biomcgary 5y ago
  US data, not Saudi. From the article: the researchers used data from the 2005-2015 United States' Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS), a large longitudinal study that tracks the health services that Americans use. Incredibly low resolution study.

NoPie 5y ago

I would definitely emphasise the same – do not take the conclusions of this study as a proof to stop antidepressants. First of all, be careful of single studies that may be biased. In this case I don't even know if life in Saudi Arabia might have some specific features that are not applicable in western countries. And generally long-term studies do not have a good track record. For example, many studies about long term effect of certain diet on health outcomes have disappointed.

FollowingTheDao 5y ago
Until studies take genetics into account there will be no progress.
- ncmncm 4y ago
  Until we have means to objectively distinguish between many different pathologies all labeled as "depression", other than by what medication they respond to, there will be no progress. And, all RCTs purporting to show no effect will remain worth less than the paper they are printed on. And, claims based on these RCTs will be, at best, ignorant; at worst, dishonest. If you have read this and continue repeating such claims, you have moved to the "dishonest" column.
biomcgary 5y ago
US data, not Saudi. From the article: the researchers used data from the 2005-2015 United States' Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS), a large longitudinal study that tracks the health services that Americans use. Incredibly low resolution study.