Here’s a bold claim: What if antidepressants start working sooner than we’ve been led to believe? The key might lie in how we measure their effects. Instead of relying on broad summary scores, focusing on individual symptoms could reveal much quicker responses—a finding that’s both groundbreaking and, frankly, a bit controversial. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: a recent study published in Nature Mental Health on October 30, 2025, suggests that antidepressants like sertraline may show benefits as early as two weeks, but these improvements are often hidden when we lump symptoms together into a single score.
The research, which reanalyzed data from the 2019 PANDA trial, took a unique approach by examining individual symptoms of depression and anxiety as interconnected nodes in a network. This method allowed scientists to see how sertraline—a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)—directly impacts specific symptoms, such as reducing the link between feelings of sadness and guilt. And this is the part most people miss: while traditional scales like the Patient Health Questionnaire might overlook these early improvements, they’re real and significant.
But here’s the controversy: The study found that sertraline’s effects on individual symptoms were evident at two weeks, even though overall depression scores didn’t show improvement until later. Why? Because side effects like changes in libido or sleep can skew the total score, masking the drug’s actual benefits. This raises a thought-provoking question: Are we underestimating the speed and specificity of antidepressants by using outdated measurement methods?
Atheeshaan Arumuham, an academic clinical fellow at King’s College London, points out that traditional scales mix psychological and physical symptoms, which can muddy the waters. ‘When these are bundled into a single score, they can hide real improvements in mood and anxiety,’ he explains. Karen Shuker, president of the College of Mental Health Pharmacy, adds that this research underscores the need for a holistic, person-centered approach to treatment. ‘Honest conversations about what to expect early on are crucial,’ she says.
Since October 2025, sertraline and seven other antidepressants have been included in the New Medicines Service (NMS), a move that Arti Shah, a mental health pharmacist, believes could significantly benefit patients. ‘Pharmacists can provide a listening ear to help patients navigate their diagnosis and treatment,’ she notes.
So, here’s the big question for you: Should we rethink how we measure antidepressant effectiveness? Could focusing on individual symptoms instead of summary scores lead to better, more personalized care? Let’s spark a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below!
