Prozac No More Effective Than Placebo for Teen Depression, Landmark Study Finds
Paris, France – November 22, 2025 – A major new study published today challenges decades of common practice, revealing that prozac, a widely prescribed antidepressant, offers no significant benefit over a placebo in treating depression among adolescents. The research, published in Le Figaro Santé, indicates that the drug’s perceived effectiveness in this age group may be largely attributable to the placebo effect.
The findings have profound implications for the millions of teenagers globally diagnosed with depression and the clinicians who treat them. While antidepressants remain a valuable tool for many adults, this study suggests a reevaluation of their routine use in adolescent populations is urgently needed. Experts warn that relying solely on medication without incorporating robust psychological therapies could be detrimental, perhaps exposing young people to unnecessary side effects and delaying access to more effective interventions.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved a thorough analysis of data from numerous participants struggling with major depressive disorder. Researchers found no statistically significant difference in betterment rates between those receiving Prozac and those receiving a placebo. This outcome raises questions about the neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression in adolescents, which may differ from those in adults.
“These results are a wake-up call,” stated Dr. [Name Redacted – source does not provide], a leading psychiatrist not involved in the study.”We need to shift our focus towards evidence-based psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy, as first-line treatments for adolescent depression.”
The study underscores the importance of a holistic approach to mental healthcare,emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans that address the complex interplay of biological,psychological,and social factors contributing to depression in teenagers. Further research is planned to explore choice treatment strategies and identify biomarkers that can predict treatment response in this vulnerable population.
