The nature and impact of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms and proposal of the Discrimi-natory Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms Scale (DAWSS).
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Authors
Moncrieff, J.
Read, J.
Horowitz, M.A.
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Issue Date
01/04/2024
Type
Journal Article
Language
Keywords
Mental Health
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background: We sought to understand more about the nature and possible consequences of antidepressant
withdrawal.
Methods: We surveyed members of 20 peer-led, online groups, assessing 31 commonly reported antidepressant
withdrawal symptoms.
Results: There were 1148 respondents, who were mostly white, female and educated. For 40 % of respondents,
withdrawal symptoms had lasted more than 2 years and 80 % were moderately or severely impacted by them.
One in four were unable to stop their antidepressant. Reported consequences of withdrawal included impaired
work function (56 %), losing jobs (20 %), taking sick leave (27 %), and relationship breakdown (25 %). Both
emotional and physical symptoms newly occurred or increased in severity following antidepressant withdrawal
compared to before starting antidepressants. There was no difference in the nature of symptoms, severity or
duration between people with physical or mental health diagnoses. We have proposed a potential Discriminatory
Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms Scale (DAWSS), comprising the 15 symptoms most specific to withdrawal
(including electric shock sensations, dizziness, akathisia or restlessness, vertigo, and vomiting), which requires
further validation.
Limitations: The sample was derived from peer support groups and is not representative of everyone who un
dergoes antidepressant withdrawal. The cross-sectional design precludes establishing causal relationships be
tween variables.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest there is a distinctive antidepressant withdrawal syndrome characterised by a
range of emotional and physical symptoms, which can be severe, prolonged and have profound impact. The
DAWSS may be helpful in distinguishing withdrawal from underlying conditions. Health services need to provide
evidence-based clinical advice and support to people on long-term antidepressants.
Description
Citation
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, Volume 16, 2024, 100765
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Journal
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports
Volume
100765