Jia Doshi

IBDP, India

Adherence vs. Adverse Effects: A Comparative Study of Antidepressant Classes

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Biography

Jia Doshi is a 12th grade student enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in India. She has a strong interest in biology and neuroscience and has authored multiple independent research papers, including one on the role of the gut microbiome on the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer. Jia is currently assisting a neuroscientist on a study exploring the effectiveness of deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) in treating cases of MDD and OCD. She has interned at Biocon, a leading biotechnology company, where she wrote a technical report on media optimization and feed strategies on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell growth profiling. Additionally, she interned at Mega Lifesciences, gaining exposure to pharmaceutical development and health innovation. 

Abstract

Depression affects the daily lives of more than 280 million people around the world and is one the most prominent causes of disability. Antidepressants are an essential treatment; however adverse effects often lead to adherence and discontinuation which greatly impacts the success rates of treatment. This mixed-methods study investigates the relationship between the side effects of five major classes of antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, NaSSas) and patient adherence. A survey was conducted with 50 participants aged between 18 to 50 who had been prescribed antidepressants. These participants were questioned about their personal medication history, experienced side effects, class of antidepressant, adherence behavior, and perceived treatment efficacy. Quantitative data revealed that SSRIs had the highest adherence rate at 75% despite the common side effects of emotional blunting, while MAOIs displayed the lowest adherence rate at 20% due to the dietary restrictions which need to be followed alongside the medication. Qualitative responses underscore that adverse effects such as weight gain, dizziness, and gastrointestinal effects were prominent factors which led to discontinuation. In parallel, a biological review explored the neurochemical mechanisms of action which cause these adverse side effects. This study also examines the effects of pre-treatment counselling about potential side effects. The research suggests that improving antidepressant adherence requires a multifaceted strategy which seamlessly integrates pharmacogenomic personalization, patient education, and alternative therapies such as psychedelics. Treatment success in depression must be evaluated not only through clinical efficacy, but also through long-term usability and patient tolerability.