A new study from Rutgers University and Columbia University has found that adults being treated for depression may face a higher risk of death if they are given newer antipsychotic drugs instead of adding a second antidepressant.
This research raises serious concerns about how doctors manage treatment for people who do not improve with their first antidepressant.
Depression is usually treated first with one antidepressant. But if that medicine doesn’t help enough, doctors often look for another option. This could mean switching to a different antidepressant or adding a second medication.
In some cases, that second drug is another antidepressant. In other cases, it’s a newer antipsychotic medication, such as aripiprazole, quetiapine, or olanzapine.
These antipsychotic drugs can sometimes help improve symptoms of depression, but they also carry serious risks. People who take them may experience major side effects like weight gain, problems with metabolism, and even a higher chance of dying.
In fact, earlier studies have shown that older adults with dementia who take these medications have a much higher risk of death.
This new study looked at medical records from nearly 40,000 Medicaid patients between the ages of 25 and 64. All these patients had depression and were taking one antidepressant, but later needed extra treatment.
The researchers compared two groups: those who added a second antidepressant and those who started taking a newer antipsychotic drug.
They found that people who started taking an antipsychotic had a 45% higher risk of dying during the study period than those who added another antidepressant. This means that for every 265 people who took a newer antipsychotic for one year, there was one additional death compared to the group taking two antidepressants.
Even though more research is needed to confirm these findings, the results are a clear warning. The study suggests that doctors should think carefully before prescribing antipsychotics to people with depression. These drugs may not offer large benefits and their risks can be serious.
One issue the study points out is that many patients are given antipsychotics before trying other safer options. Most antidepressants take four to six weeks to work fully, but in real life, many patients are moved to stronger or riskier drugs too soon.
This goes against guidelines that recommend giving antidepressants enough time to take effect before adding other treatments.
Doctors are urged to try other evidence-based options first and to use antipsychotic drugs only when absolutely necessary. The benefits must be clear and worth the risks.
For people struggling with depression, it’s very important to talk openly with doctors about treatment choices. Understanding the risks and benefits can help patients and doctors make better decisions together.
This study is a strong reminder that when treating depression, safety must come first. Careful prescribing and patience can lead to better outcomes and fewer dangers.
If you care about health, please read studies that scientists find a core feature of depression and this metal in the brain strongly linked to depression.
For more health information, please see recent studies about drug for mental health that may harm the brain, and results showing this therapy more effective than ketamine in treating severe depression.
