Sertraline improves core depression symptoms in two weeks, study finds

Sertraline, one of the UK’s most commonly prescribed antidepressants, can improve key symptoms of depression such as low mood and suicidal thoughts within two weeks of treatment, according to data analysis led by researchers at University College London.

The findings, published in Nature Mental Health, challenge earlier interpretations that found the treatment’s impact on low mood takes longer to emerge.

The study re-analysed data from a large randomised trial, originally published in 2019, involving patients in England with a range of depressive symptoms, from mild to moderate.

Related Article: Beyond the scales: reframing eating disorder recognition in primary care

The trial, known as PANDA, found that sertraline – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) – improved anxiety symptoms and participants’ overall sense of mental health by six weeks, but that improvements in overall depressive symptoms were not seen until 12 weeks.

Using a more targeted statistical approach, researchers have now looked at how specific symptoms responded to treatment.

Their analysis of 571 participants found that emotional symptoms – including sadness, self-loathing, restlessness and suicidal thoughts – began to improve after just two weeks on sertraline.

By contrast, somatic symptoms such as poor sleep, low libido and reduced appetite tended to worsen early on, before stabilising around the six-week mark.

These effects are often considered side effects of SSRIs, but they can also be symptoms of depression, which complicates interpretation of their impact.

Related Article: Sharp rise in diabetes cases prompts call for better postnatal support

According to lead author Dr Giulia Piazza, the new study highlights the importance of looking at individual symptoms rather than grouping them together.

‘Depression and anxiety aren’t single conditions – they are made up of different symptoms that affect people in different ways,’ she said. ‘Our analysis shows that some of these symptoms respond to treatment earlier than previously thought.’

Co-author Professor Glyn Lewis, who led the original PANDA trial, said: ‘Our findings provide robust evidence that continues to support the prescription of sertraline for people experiencing depressive and anxiety symptoms.

‘These findings will help patients and clinicians to make more informed decisions about treatment.’

Related Article: Novo Nordisk launch new 7.2mg single-dose Wegovy pen

Last month, depression was added as an eligible condition within the New Medicine Service, meaning pharmacies can now offer advice and support to people who have been newly prescribed antidepressants.

David Webb, England’s chief pharmaceutical officer, told The Pharmacist that the move was an ‘important step’ in supporting health and wellbeing through pharmacies.