The Relationship between Self-Report Antipsychotics Side Effects and Depression in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

The relationship between antipsychotics’ side effects and depression/anxiety among Arabic-speaking patients with different psychiatric conditions has not been examined before. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between antipsychotics’ side effects and depression and anxiety.

Methods

This was a single-centre prospective cross-sectional study in which Arabic-speaking adult (≥18 yrs.) patients, treated with antipsychotics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were recruited. The Arabic versions of the Glasgow antipsychotic side effect scale (GASS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Scale 7-item (GAD-7) were used to measure antipsychotics’ side effects, depression, and anxiety, respectively. Multiple linear regressions were conducted.

Results

One-hundred patients consented to participate and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients was 38 years, 72% were females, 40% had a college degree or higher, and 73% had no comorbidities. Patients with higher PHQ-9 scores (β=0.883, 95% CI [0.642–1.126], p<0.0001), and GAD-7 scores (β=0.797, 95% CI [0.412–1.182], p<0.0001) were more likely to have higher GASS scores controlling for age, gender, and education.

Conclusions

Patients with more severe forms of depression and anxiety are more likely to report higher rates of antipsychotics’ adverse events.