Australian researchers question long-term antidepressant efficacy due to trial design flaw (adelaide.edu.au)

• Relapse prevention trials fail to distinguish withdrawal from relapse, overstating antidepressant benefits beyond 12 months.
• Long-term use carries risks: sexual dysfunction, emotional numbing, cognitive impairment, weight gain.
• Authors recommend six-month treatment reviews and gradual weaning over 'set and forget' prescribing.

"A clinical overview by Adelaide University and University of Queensland researchers, published in the Australian Journal of General Practice, finds little robust evidence that antidepressants prevent relapse beyond 12 months. They argue that relapse prevention trials conflate withdrawal symptoms with depression relapse, overstating benefits. Long-term risks include sexual dysfunction, emotional numbing, and weight gain. The authors recommend treatment reviews every six months and gradual weaning strategies."