A trial of serotonin-based antidepressants in people with intermittent atrial fibrillation (AF)...

A trial of serotonin-based antidepressants in people with intermittent atrial fibrillation (AF) and at least moderate symptoms of depression to improve AF-related quality of life

Dr Youlin Koh, Melbourne Health

2022 PhD Scholarship

Years funded: 2023-2025

The SAD-AF study is a randomised controlled trial looking at the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in patients with paroxysmal or persistent (comes and goes, not occurring 100% of the time) atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common irregular heart rhythm arising from the upper chambers of the heart, and is associated with frequent hospitalisations, healthcare usage and symptoms of depression and anxiety. We believe that SSRIs have benefits in individuals with AF and co-existing depression and target it in a holistic manner by improving AF-specific quality of life measures, reducing AF burden and increasing time to recurrence of AF.