A February 17th meta-analysis of 91 clinical trials aimed to determine if there are specific factors that cause variability in responses to antidepressants.[1] In particular, the study authors wanted to see if individual differences in response had to do with the severity of a person’s depression or the class of drugs they are on.
According to the study authors, “Despite the paucity of studies designed to detect treatment by individual interactions, there is a widely held assumption that individual differences moderate the effect of antidepressants on depressive symptoms (ie, response). Data…show that individuals with symptoms of depression assigned to receive the same antidepressant at the same dose and for the same period can experience very different outcomes.”[2]
A Short Summary of Antidepressants
Antidepressants are medications that can help relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and other mental health conditions. Most antidepressants work to correct imbalances in the brain’s neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Between 2015 and 2018, over 13% of people were on antidepressants.[3]
There are several types of antidepressants. The most commonly prescribed is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. The study found that people who took a class of antidepressants called noradrenaline had 11% more variability in response than those who took SSRIs.
Individuals Have Individual Needs
However, they found no statistically significant evidence that differences in medication response are based on depression severity. More studies are needed to find out whether differences in people’s biochemistry accounts for variations in drug response. However, the study authors concluded that, “Our findings are consistent with other work suggesting that random or nonspecific factors may account for the variability in observed response to antidepressants.”[4]
In other words, people’s unique responses to medications are based on very individual factors. This reminds us that people need personalized care that takes into account all aspects of a person’s experience and background.
If you are struggling with depression or addiction, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will create a personalized plan to help you thrive in recovery. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.
[1] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2776611?guestAccessKey=453827ab-cbee-45a2-8b93-82b9e6c5c818&utm_source=silverchair&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_alert-jamapsychiatry&utm_term=mostread&utm_content=olf-widget_02232021
[2] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2776611?guestAccessKey=453827ab-cbee-45a2-8b93-82b9e6c5c818&utm_source=silverchair&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_alert-jamapsychiatry&utm_term=mostread&utm_content=olf-widget_02232021
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm#:~:text=During%202015%E2%80%932018%2C%2013.2%25%20of%20adults%20used%20antidepressants%20in,those%20aged%2060%20and%20over.
[4] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2776611?guestAccessKey=453827ab-cbee-45a2-8b93-82b9e6c5c818&utm_source=silverchair&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_alert-jamapsychiatry&utm_term=mostread&utm_content=olf-widget_02232021