How Long Should You Take Antidepressants?
How Long Should You Take Antidepressants?
Clinical guidelines are vague, so we asked psychiatrists what to consider when deciding whether to continue taking these medications.
Read the full article on NY Times Science
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate based on the available snippets, focusing on the complexities of antidepressant duration. It presents a balanced view by acknowledging the vagueness of clinical guidelines and consulting psychiatrists. Minor claims remain unverified due to the limited article snippet.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Clinical guidelines are vague regarding the duration of antidepressant use.
- Assessment: Unverified. The snippet mentions this, but no source directly confirms or denies the vagueness of clinical guidelines. However, the variety of recommendations in the sources suggests a lack of strict uniformity.
- Claim: The article consults psychiatrists to provide guidance on deciding whether to continue antidepressants.
- Assessment: Unverified. The snippet mentions this, but the provided sources do not confirm or deny this specific claim.
- Claim: Antidepressants are usually taken for at least 6 months after feeling better.
- Verification Source #2: The NHS states that antidepressants are usually taken for at least 6 months after feeling better.
- Verification Source #3: The NCBI indicates that treatment is continued for at least six to twelve months after remission.
- Verification Source #4: Reddit users suggest 6 months is the minimum.
- Assessment: Supported. Multiple sources (2, 3, and 4) suggest a minimum duration of 6 months.
- Claim: It can take four to eight weeks for antidepressants to work.
- Verification Source #5: Cleveland Clinic states that it can take four to eight weeks for the medication to work.
- Assessment: Supported. Cleveland Clinic (5) confirms this claim.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- NHS (2) states: "If you're prescribed antidepressants, you'll usually take them for at least 6 months after you feel better."
- Cleveland Clinic (5) states: "It can take four to eight weeks for the medication to work and for your symptoms to ease."