Embotional Blunting or apathy by SSRI? A sistematic review about their emotional effects

Introduction: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a group of antidepressants that have revolutionized the psychopharmacological therapeutic field since their appearance. They are in the first line of recommendation for the treatment of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder. And although they are better tolerated and have a better side effect profile than the classic ones, they are not exempt from them. Among the adverse effects of SSRIs little considered by health professionals, are apathy or mental dullness. Restrictions of the range of emotions that are related to normal life, such as the ability to cry or feel pleasure, have been reported. This phenomenon has been called variously in the literature, such as emotional blunting, apathy, emotional indifference, or decreased sensitivity or emotional response.

Objectives: The aim of this review is to analyze the emotional effects of SSRI that are described in the literature.

Methods: A bibliographic review of the literature published in Pubmed from 2006 to 2021 was carried out, with the words Mesh "SSRI" and "Apathy" and "emotional blunting".

Results: Literature reports indicate that the mental dullness produced by SSRIs is generated in at least 50 % of the patients who receive them, with different intensities between them.

Conclusions: Although effects of emotional blunting or apathy have been reported with various groups of antidepressants, all reports agree that it occurs more frequently in patients taking SSRIs than with other antidepressants.