Another reason for the hunt for new antidepressants is side effects-it can be a trade off of whether or not to deal with the depression, weight gain, sex problems and insomnia, to name a few. Thus, one explanation for recurrent depression: People decide the side effects aren't worth the problem.
Recurrent depression occurs for other reasons as well. In a 1998 study, more than one-third (37 percent) of people treated for depression by primary care physicians suffered recurrent depression within 19 months. Seattle researchers followed 370 adults treated for depression by a large HMO in the Puget Sound area. Relapse was defined as suffering two weeks or more of significantly depressed mood and other symptoms of depression (sleep and appetite changes, lethargy, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts) from seven to 19 months after initial treatment.
The biggest risk factor for relapse was a previous relapse. In quite a few people, depression is a chronic recurring illness characterized by periods of normal moods and major depression. The other risk factor for relapse was low-level depressive symptoms despite treatment, notably, sadness. Compared with participants who did not relapse, those who had relapsed previously and reported sadness despite treatment were three times more likely to relapse again.
The simple truth is that antidepressants are not a science. No one can say, "Oh, you are in mental pain," take two of these SSRIs and a nap and you'll be fine again. If it were so easy! Researchers are learning as they go. And in the majority of times, they get it right, if the percentages are correct. The results with Prozac are a good example. Many a person will praise this medication. And for those whom it has helped, it's a godsend.
However, there's another side to this issue as well. An article in May 2000 Boston Globe reports, "Just as the 14-year patent on Prozac is about to expire and the drug's maker, Eli Lilly and Co., is preparing to launch a new version, a body of evidence has come to light revealing the antidepressant's dark side. The company's internal documents...indicate that the pharmaceutical giant has known for years that its best-selling drug could cause suicidal reactions in a small but significant number of patients."
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