Antidepressant works 'by reducing anxiety symptoms first'

A commonly-prescribed antidepressant reduces anxiety first and has a smaller effect on depressive symptoms weeks later, a study suggests.

Researchers at University College London said it made people feel better but worked in unexpected ways.

Their trial involved 653 UK patients, half of whom were given sertraline and the other half a placebo (dummy pill).

Psychiatrists say the findings are reassuring for doctors and patients, confirming the benefits of treatment.

Antidepressants are one of the most commonly-prescribed medications in the UK and concerns have often been raised that too many are being given to patients.

Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is one of the most common drugs used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety.

But scientists still have little idea of how these kind of drugs work.