Antidepressants: who needs them?

Most people are used to taking a course of treatment for a certain time, then stopping when they feel better. But depression is different - it is better to carry on with your medication for several months. If you don't do this you have a one in three risk of becoming ill again within six months. If you do carry on that risk is halved. The current advice is to carry on for four to six months after recovery unless there are pressing reasons to stop, such as side effects, illness or pregnancy.

Some people have repeated and long bouts of depression that can have a devastating effect on their lives and those of their family and friends. They may need to stay on antidepressants for much longer, perhaps several years. This is called maintenance treatment and is advised for someone who has had at least two previous bouts of serious depression in the last five years.

For advice on safe ways to stop taking antidepressants, see How to come off antidepressants safely