Psych Drugs May Increase Likelihood of Death in Schizophrenia

The drugs, especially benzos and high doses of antipsychotics, led to an increased risk of death within five years. Antidepressants also did not reduce mortality.

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The public perception is that drugs like antipsychotics and antidepressants save lives, particularly for those with the most severe diagnoses, like schizophrenia. However, new research tells a different story.

In a new study, researchers found that these drugs did not improve mortality rates (rates of death). Instead, those who took benzodiazepines and high-dose antipsychotics were more likely to die, while those on antidepressants and lower doses of antipsychotics still did not benefit.

“High-dose antipsychotic and benzodiazepine use was associated with increased mortality and the protective association of antidepressants was not found,” the researchers write.

The study, led by QuĂŠbĂŠcois researchers SĂŠbastien Brodeur, Yohann M. Chiu, and Josiane Courteau, was published in JAMA Network Open.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Yesterday I talked to a man I know, a long term service user. He has got fat. He now has type 2 diabetes. I discussed tye idea of loosing weight as a way of getting the diabetes to go into remission, something I did about 8 years ago. He said he is limiting his carbohydrate intake, which will not reverse the diabetes. I asked if he was on “antipsychoticd,” he said he was and that his “Care coordinator,” told him it is important that he stays on them. I think she should be sacked and my friend should get a second opinion.

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    • a sad and terrible story John that I bear witness to every single day
      The source article in JAMA was horrible to read liberal use of the Schizophrenia word throughout. No emotions lots of stats.. It’s a no brainer off course these drugs kill you early ,they damage your brain and every other system and ruin your life they induce all the classic symptoms described by Bueller et al many years ago. Neuroleptic defeat .. In all its glory then chuck in the endless trauma and discrimination and hopelessness. So sorry to hear about your friend one of millions

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