Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, cilt.192, ss.378-384, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
Background: Yawning, a common physiological response, can significantly impact quality of life when excessive. Although known as a side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), its prevalence and relationship with depression remain underexplored. Objective: This study investigates the prevalence of SSRI-induced yawning in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and its association with clinical features. Methods: We enrolled 150 patients aged 18-65 diagnosed with MDD per DSM-5 criteria, who had not previously used SSRIs and were prescribed SSRIs. Assessments included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), UKU Side Effect Rating Scale, and a Yawning Severity Assessment Form developed by the researchers. Follow-up evaluations were conducted one month after initiating treatment. Results: Of the initial cohort, 110 patients completed the follow-up. Post-treatment, both BDI and ISI scores significantly decreased (p < 0.001). Yawning severity increased significantly (p = 0.010), with the prevalence of excessive yawning rising from 5.4 % to 15.4 %. Yawning severity was positively correlated with BDI and ISI scores both pre-and post-treatment, decreasing in treatment responders and increasing significantly among non-responders. Discussion: This first prospective study on the relationship between depression, SSRI use, and yawning shows an increase in yawning severity associated with SSRI use, correlating with the severity of depression. The observed association with treatment response suggests a potential research direction, though clinical relevance remains to be determined. These findings underscore the importance for clinicians to monitor yawning as a side effect in patients diagnosed with MDD initiating SSRI.