Evidence / 2024

Population

Participants in studies of antidepressant discontinuation, including placebo-controlled trials

Sample

Systematic review and meta-analysis (see paper for study count)

Condition

Antidepressant discontinuation symptoms

Medication focus

Antidepressants versus placebo discontinuation where available

Jurisdiction

International

Last reviewed

1 September 2026

PMID

38851198

DOI

10.1016/S2215-0366(24)00133-0

Plain-language finding

After accounting for symptoms also reported after stopping placebo, the authors estimated that antidepressant discontinuation symptoms occur in approximately 15% of people, and that severe symptoms occur in about one in 35. Incidence varied by medicine.

Important limitation

Estimates depend on which studies are included, how symptoms are measured, and how placebo effects are subtracted. Short trial follow-up may miss delayed or prolonged symptoms. The paper has been debated; it is included here because it is a major recent quantitative synthesis, not because it closes the question.

Why we cite this

Recent meta-analysis that attempts to separate discontinuation symptoms from non-specific effects. Useful as a counterweight to higher survey-based estimates.

antidepressant · discontinuation · meta-analysis · placebo

Research demonstrates a statistical relationship. Association is not causation. Timing, dose, confounding and missing data still matter.