Weighing the risks: new review ranks antidepressants by their physical health side effects

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Antidepressants can help millions of people recover from depression and anxiety, but how do they affect physical health? Out today, a review in The Lancet compared 30 antidepressants to see which ones are most (and least) likely to increase our risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes etc.

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Lithium is best at decreasing the risk of depression-related hospitalisation in bipolar disorder, according to new cohort study

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This Swedish cohort study, blogged by Duncan Swiffen, is yet more evidence for lithium as an excellent treatment for people with bipolar disorder. This time it comes out on top in terms of preventing depression-related hospitalisation.

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In adults with major depression, antidepressants may increase the risk of suicide

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Douglas Badenoch explores a meta-analysis of follow-up data from clinical trials of antidepressants, which found a small but significant increase in suicide risk.

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Medication for generalised anxiety disorder: new network meta-analysis

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A group of UCL Masters Students summarise a recent network meta-analysis of drug treatment for generalised anxiety disorder, which finds that Venlafaxine, Pregabalin, Escitalopram and Duloxetine are all viable alternatives to Benzodiazepines.

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Antidepressants: benefits and harms in children and adults

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Samei Huda discusses the findings of a recent review into suicidality and aggression during antidepressant treatment. The systematic review and meta-analyses were based on clinical study reports and included some important adverse effects of antidepressants in children and young people.

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