The effects of SSRI withdrawal on mood and neurocognitive function
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Removing the Rose-Tinted Glasses: The effects of antidepressant medication withdrawal on mood and neurocognitive function
IRAS ID
291454
Contact name
Raqeeb Mahmood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of antidepressant withdrawal on participants’ mood and symptoms in the first 2 weeks of withdrawal and their cognitive processing abilities over time (how they process emotional and social information). Research has demonstrated that antidepressants help improve mood and positive thinking, but many individuals end up on antidepressants for a sustained period of time which is not ideal given their negative side effects, such as nausea and insomnia. However, little is known about what happens to individuals when they stop taking antidepressants. Is there an immediate return of low mood and negative thinking, or is this more gradual over time? When is the worst time after withdrawal and which depressive symptoms are first to return? Who is likely to relapse and become depressed again, and who will stay well? The study aims to answer these questions to help us understand the withdrawal process in more detail and to improve our understanding of how antidepressants work.
This is an observational study conducted online with individuals who have been taking antidepressants but are currently well enough to come off them. There will be a group who withdraw from antidepressants and a control group of individuals who remain on antidepressants over the same period. Participants will independently choose to join either group at baseline. In the first 2 weeks of withdrawal participants will answer questions about their mood and symptoms daily on a mobile phone app. Participants will also complete a total of 4 online sessions (Baseline, 2 weeks, 3 month and 6 months) that include some computer based cognitive tasks and questionnaire measures assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms. We hope the data will be useful as GPs may be able to help their patients manage withdrawal better and provide advice regarding the likely time course of withdrawal effects.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SW/0087
Date of REC Opinion
5 Aug 2021
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion