In total, the research team examined 161 patients suffering from both depression and obesity, a combination that frequently occurs. All participants received a well-established antidepressant (Escitalopram) over twelve weeks. One half of the participants was additionally administered the statin Simvastatin, while the other half received a placebo. Neither the treating clinicians nor the participants knew which treatment was being administered, ensuring the study design was randomized and double-blinded. "This methodology aimed to determine whether participants receiving the statin would exhibit a stronger antidepressant response compared to the placebo group," explained Priv.-Doz. Dr. Woo Ri Chae, researcher at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and co–first author of the study.
CONVENTIONAL ANTIDEPRESSANTS REMAIN THE TREATMENT OF CHOICE
Symptoms of depression improved significantly in both groups; however, no additional effect from the statin could be detected. “About the treatment of depression, statins offer no additional benefit,” stated Professor Dr. Christian Otte, principal investigator of the study, DZPG researcher, and Director of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Charité – Campus Benjamin Franklin. He further remarked, “According to current evidence, conventional antidepressants remain the gold standard in therapy.” Statins, the researchers emphasize, should continue to be prescribed following clinical guidelines for the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, including in patients who also suffer from depression.
MOLECULAR ANALYSES PLANNED
Although this study found no effect of statins on mental health, the research is far from complete. The team intends to conduct follow-up analyses to investigate whether specific subgroups of patients—such as those with distinct genetic profiles—may respond differently. The blood samples collected during the study will undergo further molecular and cellular analyses.
Publication:
Otte C et al. Simvastatin as add-on treatment to escitalopram in patients with major depression and obesity: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry. June 4, 2025. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.0801
Source: Press release from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
