A new study by researchers from Rutgers University and Columbia University has revealed an alarming connection between the use of newer antipsychotic medications and a higher risk of death in adults with depression.
Published in PLOS ONE by Tobias Gerhard and colleagues, the findings suggest that adding antipsychotics to a treatment plan may significantly increase mortality risk compared to using a second antidepressant.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, and antidepressants are typically the first choice for treatment. However, not everyone responds well to the initial medication. In such cases, doctors often explore additional strategies, such as switching to another antidepressant or combining treatments.
This may involve adding a second antidepressant or newer antipsychotic drugs like aripiprazole, quetiapine, or olanzapine.
While antipsychotics can be effective for some patients, they come with well-known side effects, including an increased risk of death in older adults with dementia. This study aimed to determine whether the same risk applies to younger adults with depression.
What the Study Found
The researchers analyzed data from 39,582 Medicaid patients aged 25 to 64 who were treated between 2001 and 2010. By linking this data to the National Death Index, they could track mortality outcomes.
Participants were divided into two groups: one group added a second antidepressant after their initial treatment didn’t work, while the other group added a newer antipsychotic.
The results were troubling. Patients who started on an antipsychotic had a 45% higher risk of death compared to those who added another antidepressant. For every 265 people treated with an antipsychotic for one year, this increased risk equated to one additional death.
The findings raise serious concerns about how antipsychotics are used to treat depression. Although these medications may provide some benefits, the risks appear substantial.
The study highlights a critical issue: many patients are prescribed antipsychotics for depression without first completing an adequate trial of a single antidepressant, as recommended by treatment guidelines.
Antidepressants often take four to six weeks to show full effects, but some patients are shifted to antipsychotics prematurely. This practice may expose patients to unnecessary risks without fully exploring safer, evidence-based alternatives.
The researchers stress that doctors need to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing antipsychotics for depression. These medications should only be considered after safer options have been tried and proven ineffective.
The study also calls for further research, ideally through a randomized controlled trial, to confirm these findings and guide future treatment practices.
Key Takeaways for Patients and Doctors
For patients struggling with depression, this study serves as an important reminder to discuss all treatment options thoroughly with healthcare providers. While antipsychotics may seem like a quick solution, they carry significant risks, and less dangerous alternatives should be explored first.
For doctors, these findings emphasize the need to adhere to treatment guidelines and avoid rushing into antipsychotic prescriptions. Prioritizing safer and well-studied approaches can help minimize risks while still aiming for effective treatment outcomes.
Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of balancing safety and effectiveness in treating depression. By carefully considering the risks of antipsychotics, healthcare providers can help ensure better outcomes for their patients.
If you care about depression, please read studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies that ultra-processed foods may make you feel depressed, and extra-virgin olive oil could reduce depression symptoms.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
