Inter‐rater reliability study of the Japanese version of the diagnostic clinical interview for drug withdrawal post SSRIs or SNRIs (DID‐W1‐J)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are typical antidepressants that are also widely used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, and other mental disorders. While these drugs are highly useful, the safety profile of each antidepressant varies widely. Furthermore, it has long been pointed out that they can cause withdrawal symptoms after decrease or discontinuing. A recent systematic review found that 40% of patients experience withdrawal symptoms after reducing or discontinuing SSRIs. However, withdrawal symptoms can be confused with a relapse or recurrence of the original disorder, and reintroduction of the antidepressant that was initially used or switching from one antidepressant to a different one may actually worsen symptoms.