Giving men a common antidepressant could help tackle domestic violence
9 days ago
- #domestic-violence
- #criminal-justice
- #mental-health
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared domestic and family violence a 'national crisis' in April 2024.
- A world-first trial tested sertraline (an antidepressant) to reduce violent reoffending in impulsive men.
- Sertraline showed significant reductions in domestic violence reoffending: 19.1% vs. 24.8% (placebo) at 12 months, and 28.2% vs. 35.7% at 24 months.
- Men who took sertraline more consistently saw a 30% reduction in reoffending at 24 months.
- Sertraline enhances serotonin functioning, improving impulse control and emotional regulation.
- Initial four-week results showed reductions in depression (55%), psychological distress (44%), anger (35%), irritability (25%), and impulsivity (20%).
- Comprehensive support (counselling, crisis support, service navigation) was crucial for engagement and effectiveness.
- Sertraline reduced repeated domestic violence offending by 44% compared to placebo.
- 96% of partners reported maintained or increased safety, 85% observed positive behavioral changes, and 77% reported improved wellbeing.
- The approach is cost-effective ($7,000/year per participant vs. $150,000 for incarceration) and operates independently from government systems.