Can long term antidepressant use cause cognitive decline/decrease in intelligence?

Complicated!: 1st, it's good you care. intelligence is way more than a score. I think most pros will agree that long term optimal function would be most harmed by untreated depression. Treatment may not require drugs, but if they are needed, their benefit will outweigh risk for IQ. Don't let this prevent therapy but do ask such questions to decide on Rx's - i.e., side effects, w/drawal, etc. Best!

Antidepressants: Agree with previous answers. To expand on what they are saying Prozac (fluoxetine) which is in the class of antidepressants most used and other ones are like it, has been on the market now for 30+ years and been studied extensively. From patients I have heard that some feel more fuzzy and slightly less motivated on some antidepressants which can reduce cog functioning, but very rare and temporary if present.

I say, "No": These have been in very common use for over two decades. Anyone can make up a scare story. What we do know is that in post-traumatic stress disorder -- both animal models and humans -- they actually seem to allow regrowth of brain cells especially around the hippocampus. If you need to use these for depression as an adjunct to talk / action Rx, they'll restore you ability to think clearly.

No: Antidepressants work on different chemicals and affect different part of the brain. There are some studies showing that antidepressants have some positive effects to prevent dementia in the future.

Antidepressant Use: Please consult with your Doctor and your Pharmacist about the side effects and long term consequences of your medication. Then you can decide if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.