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The relationship between self-reported antipsychotics side effects and depression in Saudi Arabia
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Antipsychotic side effects are linked to increased depression in psychiatric patients. Managing these side effects is crucial for improving treatment adherence and outcomes in individuals with mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antipsychotic medication use is increasing for various mental health disorders.
- The impact of antipsychotic side effects on depression levels remains understudied.
- This research addresses the gap in understanding the relationship between antipsychotic side effects and depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between antipsychotic side effects and depression symptoms.
- To analyze this relationship in adult psychiatric patients receiving antipsychotic treatment.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, cross-sectional study involving 100 adult psychiatric outpatients.
- Antipsychotic side effects assessed using the Arabic Glasgow Antipsychotic Side-effect Scale (GASS).
- Depression symptoms measured with the Arabic 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
- Statistical analysis included univariate and multiple linear regressions.
Main Results:
- Higher GASS scores (indicating more severe side effects) were significantly associated with higher PHQ-9 scores (indicating increased depression).
- This association remained significant after controlling for demographic and clinical variables (β = 0.419, p < 0.0001).
- The majority of patients (88%) received atypical antipsychotics, and common diagnoses included schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Conclusions:
- The severity of antipsychotic side effects is a predictor of depression levels in psychiatric patients.
- Early identification and management of these side effects are recommended to improve patient adherence and treatment outcomes.
- Further research with more robust designs is needed to confirm these findings.
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