Long term treatment of depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and newer antidepressants

The rise in the prescribing of antidepressants is largely accounted for by an increase in long term treatment. Half of people with a diagnosis of major depression will go on to have a further episode, and risk of recurrence increases with each episode. Evidence for the benefits of long term prescribing of antidepressants comes almost exclusively from secondary care settings. Continuing antidepressant treatment roughly halves the absolute risk of relapse The increased risk of suicidal behaviour associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is restricted to people aged under 25 People with risk factors for relapse of depression should be advised to continue with SSRIs for at least 12 months and consider long term treatment.