Sane: Results could be disturbing

If further research upholds results from a study showing that 'new generation' antidepressants such as Prozac only benefit some very severely depressed patients then this would be "very disturbing", the mental health charity Sane claims.

The study from researchers at Hull University suggests that antidepressants are no better than dummy drugs for the majority of patients.

Commenting on the report, Sane chief executive Marjorie Wallace said: "The newer antidepressants were the great hope for the future, allowing people to take medication without the crippling effects of the old tri-cyclic drugs which could be fatal in even small overdose.

"If validated, this research would mean that psychological therapies would be the only available treatments for the majority of people, but these do not work for everyone, particularly those with severe clinical depression.

"These findings could remove what has been seen as a vital choice for thousands in treating what can be a life threatening condition."

Ms Wallace added: "These results are focused on clinical effectiveness rather than health risks. It is important that people should not stop taking the antidepressants immediately, as doing so could lead to severe rebound depression."