SSRI discontinuation syndrome - Awareness as an approach to prevention

In recent months, as the United States has struggled with the effects of terrorism, economic stress, and job layoffs, prescriptions of antidepressants have been on the rise. Even before this increase, compliance in the use of antidepressants, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), was compromised. Discontinuation syndrome, a cluster of symptoms caused by sudden cessation of SSRI use, is experienced by up to 25% of patients who abruptly quit taking these agents. Here, Dr Ditto discusses the incidence, onset, duration, and severity of these symptoms and offers ways to prevent unnecessary medical workups yet facilitate early recognition of discontinuation syndrome.