Q. How does anti-depressants affect intelligence?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
The effects of anti-depressants on intelligence are complex, and the research is still ongoing. Generally speaking, however, it appears that antidepressants can affect cognitive functions such as concentration and memory in both positive and negative ways. In some cases, antidepressants may improve overall cognitive functioning by reducing symptoms related to depression such as fatigue and mental fog. Other studies have suggested that antidepressant use may be linked to lower academic performance in children and adolescents who take them.
In terms of direct effects on intelligence, one study from 2019 found a correlation between taking antidepressants over a long period of time (at least six years) with lower IQ scores compared to individuals without a similar history of medication use. It should be noted that this association does not necessarily mean causality; the study could not establish whether or not the lower IQ was actually caused by the drugs rather than factors related to mental illness itself or other factors independent of antidepressant usage.. Nonetheless, it should serve as an important reminder for those considering whether or not they should take them at all – while there can be real health benefits associated with taking antidepressant medications correctly prescribed by medical professionals, there are still lingering concerns about how they might affect intelligence levels over longer periods of time.
Essentially, more comprehensive long-term studies are needed in order to better understand how different types of antidepressants might influence intelligence levels among different groups within our population – including specific age groups or those living with certain mental illnesses like depression or anxiety disorders – before any definitive conclusions can be made about their potential impact on one’s intellect.
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