Recent conversations about the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), often used to treat depression, have shined a light on the importance of addressing mental health. As an emergency physician, I see first-hand the value medication can play as one part of addressing mental illness.
As an industry, biopharmaceutical research companies have made tremendous strides towards understanding the root causes of mental illnesses and developing innovative medicines that help millions of Americans live healthier, more productive lives.
So what are SSRIs and why are they important?
Zoom in: SSRIs are a class of medications commonly prescribed to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. SSRIs are often used as first-line drug therapy, alongside psychotherapy. In fact, research demonstrates that combining psychotherapy with antidepressant medications improves treatment outcomes. SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which is thought to enhance communication between nerve cells. Like all medicines, SSRIs undergo the FDA’s rigorous review standards to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Why they matter: Nearly one in four Americans are battling some form of mental illness. Importantly, patients should feel free from stigma and have access to comprehensive care and treatments to manage their conditions effectively.
How thoroughly have SSRIs been studied, both in general and for pregnant women?
Since their introduction in the late 1980s, SSRIs have been extensively studied. A wealth of research has explored their safety and efficacy for different patient populations. Because of ethical considerations, there are not specific randomized clinical trials studying SSRI use in pregnant women, but there are many observational studies and analyses of health data.
Why might a pregnant woman take an SSRI and are there side effects?
About 10.3% of women aged 18-39 in the U.S. use an antidepressant to treat their depression, and many may rely on an SSRI. Like any medicine, SSRIs can cause side effects. Information about side effects can be found in a medication’s FDA-approved labeling.
The decision to take or not take SSRIs to treat depression during pregnancy should be made after a thorough discussion with the patient’s health care provider, who can consider the severity of the mother's mental health condition, her medical history and a risk-benefit analysis on the health of the mother and baby.
What systems are in place to report and address side effects with drugs if they arise?
The FDA and manufacturers monitor the safety of approved drugs, through several post-marketing surveillance programs. Biopharmaceutical companies have mandatory reporting requirements to share information about adverse events from their medications with the FDA and maintain their own surveillance systems as well. Any patient or health care provider can also voluntarily report adverse events directly to the agency.
Are SSRIs overprescribed?
Many patients with mental illness do not receive professional help for their symptoms and often remain undiagnosed and untreated. SSRIs are an important option for health care providers and patients to consider when discussing treatments for mental health conditions.
The bottom line: SSRIs are a safe and effective form of treatment for depression that patients may wish to consider with their doctor. Stigmatizing mental illness and treatments or imposing additional barriers to access comprehensive treatment options contributes to the significant burdens patients face. Looking ahead, America’s biopharmaceutical research companies remain committed to realizing a future where patients aren’t overshadowed by the daily challenges of a mental illness.
Mike Ybarra
Michael Ybarra, M.D., is an emergency physician and Chief Medical Officer at PhRMA. He also serves as Senior Vice President in Advocacy and Strategic Alliances. In these roles, he leads PhRMA’s stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships on federal and international health policy issues. He is PhRMA’s liaison representative to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and is the co-convener of PhRMA’s R&D Leadership Forum. Dr. Ybarra continues to see patients clinically in the emergency department at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
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Mike Ybarra