Effects of 6-months of SSRI use on DNA-methylation and gene expression in blood

Abstract

Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a recommended first line medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder, due to higher tolerability and lower risk of adverse effects than other antidepressants. The mechanisms by which SSRIs reduce depressive symptoms are not well understood, but are hypothesised to include direct effects on serotonin signalling and synaptic remodelling, and indirect effects on inflammation. Indirect or off-target effects may be detectable in blood and can be investigated using methylome- and transcriptome-wide approaches. Methods The Staged Treatment in Early Psychosis (STEP) clinical trial included a 6-month long randomised, placebo..