An SSRI Antidepressant—Modern and Well-Tolerated

Viibryd (vilazodone) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin availability in the brain, helping regulate mood, anxiety, and emotional well-being. Viibryd is a newer-generation SSRI with a good safety profile and generally manageable side effects. It’s considered one of the better-tolerated antidepressants. The fact that you take Viibryd indicates that you have major depressive disorder—a serious mental health condition. Underwriters evaluate depression carefully because it can affect quality of life, work function, and, in severe cases, suicide risk. However, modern underwriters understand that depression is common, treatable, and manageable. People with well-controlled depression on appropriate medication, including SSRIs like Viibryd, are underwritten regularly and approved for insurance.

Why SSRIs Are Viewed Favorably

Underwriters view SSRIs more favorably than older antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants or MAOIs. Why? SSRIs have better safety profiles, fewer side effects, lower overdose risk, and are less likely to interact with other medications. The fact that you’re on Viibryd (rather than on no medication, or on an older antidepressant) suggests your depression is being actively managed with modern, evidence-based treatment. This is good for underwriting. It indicates you’re engaged with healthcare and taking your mental health seriously.

What Is Major Depressive Disorder?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of death. It’s different from occasional sadness—it’s persistent, pervasive, and impairs functioning. Depression is common: approximately 1 in 5 adults experiences depression at some point. It’s treatable: therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or combination approaches often lead to significant improvement. SSRIs like Viibryd are first-line treatment. For many people, SSRI use improves mood, restores function, and enables a normal or near-normal quality of life.

SSRI Effectiveness and Side Effects

SSRIs like Viibryd are effective for depression in about 50-60% of people at first dose; for those who don’t respond, switching to another SSRI often works. Side effects vary but commonly include sexual dysfunction, nausea, insomnia, weight changes, or apathy. Most side effects are manageable and often improve with time. Viibryd is noted for having relatively fewer sexual side effects compared to some other SSRIs, which is why it’s prescribed for people troubled by that side effect. The key point for insurance: SSRI use indicates depression diagnosis, but SSRIs are safe, effective, and associated with good health outcomes when used appropriately.

The Honest Reality About Depression and Underwriting

Depression is serious: untreated severe depression can impair function and, in worst cases, increase suicide risk. Underwriters take this seriously. However, treated depression—especially depression on appropriate medication like an SSRI—is manageable for underwriting purposes. Most people with well-controlled depression on Viibryd live normal lives, work, maintain relationships, and have normal life expectancies. The rate impact of depression on SSRI treatment is usually minimal to moderate. Decline from depression itself is uncommon unless the depression is severe, untreated, or associated with multiple suicide attempts or psychiatric crises. Being on Viibryd actually suggests you’re managing your depression appropriately, which is positive for underwriting.

1. Depression Onset and Duration

When did your depression start? How long have you had it? First episode or recurrent? Recent onset depression (past year) is viewed differently from longstanding depression. Longstanding depression that’s been stable on Viibryd for years is more favorable than recent-onset severe depression. Duration and stability matter.

2. Depression Severity

Underwriters want to know: Is your depression mild, moderate, or severe? This affects underwriting significantly. Mild depression with maintained function and good SSRI response: favorable underwriting. Moderate depression with occasional functional impairment: moderate underwriting scrutiny. Severe depression affecting major life areas: more significant underwriting concern. Depression severity is usually judged by functional impact and treatment intensity.

3. Current Control on Viibryd

Is Viibryd working for you? How long have you been on it? Are you stable on the current dose, or have you needed frequent medication adjustments? A good response to Viibryd (improved mood, restored function, stability on current dose) is favorable. Poor response or frequent medication changes are less favorable. Underwriters want to know that your depression is responding to treatment.

4. Suicide Risk and Crisis History

This is the most important factor for depression underwriting. Have you ever attempted suicide? Had suicidal thoughts? Been hospitalized for a psychiatric crisis? The answers to these questions significantly affect underwriting. No suicide attempts or crisis history: very favorable. Remote history (5+ years ago) with stability since: manageable. Recent attempts or multiple hospitalizations: significant underwriting impact. Underwriters must take suicide risk seriously because it directly affects life expectancy.

5. Current Therapy or Professional Support

Are you currently working with a therapist or psychiatrist? Active professional support for depression is viewed favorably. It shows you’re engaged with your mental health. Someone on Viibryd plus ongoing therapy has better underwriting than someone on Viibryd with no ongoing support. However, the absence of current therapy is not necessarily negative if you’ve been stable for years.

6. Other Mental Health Conditions

Do you have an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, a substance use history, or other mental health conditions alongside depression? Multiple mental health diagnoses or a substance use history affect underwriting negatively. Depression alone is more favorable than depression plus other conditions. Be honest about your complete mental health history.

7. Overall Health and Other Conditions

Do you have other health conditions? Are you on other medications? Overall health profile matters. Someone with depression and otherwise good health has better underwriting than someone with depression plus multiple serious conditions. A complete health picture is evaluated.

Mild Depression, Well-Controlled on Viibryd

Mild depression is characterized by some mood symptoms but generally preserved function. You maintain work, relationships, and daily activities. Viibryd is helping significantly. You’re stable on the current dose. No suicide attempts or psychiatric crises. Underwriting for this scenario is very favorable: standard or near-standard rates are likely, with minimal rate increase, if any. Life expectancy is normal.

Moderate Depression, Managed on Viibryd

Moderate depression involves more significant mood symptoms and some functional impairment. Work or relationships may be affected but not completely disrupted. Viibryd is providing meaningful benefits. You’ve been stable for a reasonable period (6+ months). No suicide attempts, though you may have experienced suicidal thoughts. Underwriting is favorable: approval is likely with a 10-30% rate increase possible depending on individual factors. Life expectancy is near-normal.

Severe Depression, Stable on Viibryd

Severe depression significantly impairs function. Work, relationships, and daily self-care have been affected. You may have had psychiatric hospitalization or experienced severe suicidal ideation. However, you’re now stable on Viibryd with a good response. You’ve been stable for an extended period (1+ years). You’re engaged in ongoing treatment. Underwriting is more cautious, but approval is likely, with a 25-75% rate increase possible depending on crisis history and current stability. Life expectancy is reduced compared to mild depression, but often near-normal if stability is established.

Viibryd Itself: Favorable Profile

The medication itself is modern, well-tolerated, and safe. SSRI use is favorable for underwriting. Being on Viibryd is viewed more positively than being on no medication or on older antidepressants. The medication creates minimal additional rate impact. Depression severity and control are what create rate impact, not the SSRI itself.

Mild Depression, Well-Controlled: Minimal Rate Impact

Rate increase: 0-15% possible, or even standard rates. Mild depression on appropriate medication with good response and no crisis history creates minimal rate impact.

Moderate Depression, Stable on Viibryd: Moderate Rate Impact

Rate increase: 10-30% possible. Moderate depression with good medication response and stability creates a measurable but not dramatic rate increase.

Severe Depression or Crisis History: Significant Rate Impact

Rate increase: 25-75%+ possible. Severe depression, psychiatric hospitalization, or suicide attempt history creates a significant rate impact even with current stability. The higher the risk history, the higher the adjustment.

Time Since Crisis or Hospitalization Matters

If you had a suicide attempt or psychiatric hospitalization: 1-2 years ago, the rate impact is significant. 3-5 years ago, with stability, the rate impact is moderate. 5+ years ago, with sustained stability, the rate impact is minimal. Time and stability improve underwriting.

Letter from Your Psychiatrist or Therapist

A letter from your mental health provider describing: (1) your depression diagnosis and when diagnosed, (2) severity of depression and current control on Viibryd, (3) how long you’ve been stable, (4) effectiveness of treatment, (5) any suicide attempts or psychiatric hospitalizations, (6) current level of risk/safety. This letter is invaluable. It provides a professional assessment of your mental health status and risk.

Mental Health Treatment Records

Recent (past 6-12 months) treatment notes from therapy or psychiatry visits showing your current mental status, medication effectiveness, and stability. These records document that you’re receiving ongoing care and that your condition is being monitored and managed.

Primary Care Physician Confirmation

Your primary care doctor can confirm that you’re stable, engaged in care, and managing well on Viibryd. A simple letter stating your depression is well-controlled and you’ve shown no concerning symptoms is helpful.

Employment or Functional Status Documentation

Evidence of your current functioning is helpful. Are you employed? Maintaining relationships? Engaged in activities? A letter from an employer or references from people in your life documenting your functional stability strengthens your application. This shows that your depression is managed well enough that you’re living a normal, functional life.

Be Direct and Honest About Your Depression

When applying, clearly state that you have depression and take Viibryd. Include: when you were diagnosed, your current symptoms (mild, moderate, or severe), how long you’ve been on Viibryd, how well it’s working, and whether you’ve ever had suicide attempts or psychiatric hospitalization. Direct disclosure is always better: “I was diagnosed with moderate depression 4 years ago. I’ve been on Viibryd for 3 years with good response. My depression is well-controlled. I’ve never attempted suicide. I’m stable.”

Provide Mental Health Documentation Upfront

Don’t wait for underwriters to request mental health records. Submit a letter from your mental health provider along with your application. This demonstrates you’re being proactive, saves underwriting time, and sets a positive tone. Underwriters need mental health documentation to accurately assess your risk, so providing it early speeds approval.

Frame Your Story Positively and Honestly

Frame your situation accurately but in its best light: “I’ve been managing my depression well for [X] years on Viibryd. My treatment is working. I’m stable and my life is functioning normally.” This is honest and positive. Avoid minimizing your condition (“I barely have depression”) or catastrophizing (“My depression has destroyed my life”). Both undermine credibility. Honest, balanced framing works best.

Apply With Standard Carriers

You don’t need specialty insurance for depression on SSRI treatment. Standard life insurance carriers underwrite depression routinely. Major carriers have clear, reasonable guidelines for depression underwriting. Apply with established carriers. Your Viibryd use and depression won’t disqualify you.

If You Have a Suicide Attempt History, Be Prepared

If you have attempted suicide in the past, be honest about it and be prepared for more thorough underwriting. Provide complete details: when, method, hospitalization, treatment since, and length of stability. Underwriters need to understand the severity of that risk event and assess your current safety. Be honest and provide thorough documentation from your mental health provider about current risk and protective factors.

Mild Depression, Well-Controlled, Age 45

A 45-year-old with mild depression well-controlled on Viibryd might pay $45-48/month for a $500,000 20-year term policy. This is at or very close to standard rates with minimal or no increase. Some carriers offer truly standard rates for well-controlled mild depression.

Moderate Depression, Stable on Viibryd, Age 45

A 45-year-old with moderate depression stable on Viibryd might pay $50-58/month for the same coverage. This represents a 10-25% rate increase, reflecting the moderate depression diagnosis but good control and stability.

Severe Depression or Suicide Attempt History, Age 45

A 45-year-old with severe depression or prior suicide attempt, now stable for 3+ years on Viibryd, might pay $60-85/month for the same coverage. This represents a 25-75% rate increase reflecting the more serious history but current stability.

What Affects Your Final Rate

Depression severity and control are the primary factors. Suicide attempt or hospitalization history (or lack thereof). Length of stability on current medication. Age. Other health conditions. Employment status/functional stability. Specific carrier (different carriers have different depression underwriting guidelines). All factors combined determine your final rate. SSRIs themselves create minimal additional rate impact—it’s the depression severity that matters.

Will my depression diagnosis prevent me from getting life insurance?

Direct answer: No. Modern insurers approve people with depression regularly.

Depression is common and treatable. SSRI use indicates active management. Most people with well-controlled depression on appropriate medication are approved for life insurance at standard or near-standard rates. Approval is very likely.

Will I be declined because I take Viibryd?

Direct answer: Decline from Viibryd use is very unlikely.

SSRIs like Viibryd are viewed favorably. The medication itself won’t result in a decline. Decline would only occur if depression is severe, unmanaged, or associated with multiple suicide attempts—and even then, approval is often possible.

How much will my rates increase because of depression?

Direct answer: Depends on severity and stability. 0-75%+ increase possible.

Mild, well-controlled depression: 0-15% increase or standard rates. Moderate depression: 10-30% increase. Severe depression or suicide attempt history: 25-75%+ increase. The rate reflects depression severity, not the SSRI itself.

Do I have to disclose my depression?

Direct answer: Yes. Always disclose it.

Life insurance applications ask about diagnoses and medications. If you have depression or take Viibryd, disclose it. Concealment is misrepresentation. Be direct: “I have depression, diagnosed [year], managed on Viibryd.”

Does it matter how long I’ve been on Viibryd?

Direct answer: It indicates treatment engagement, but stability and effectiveness matter more.

Someone on Viibryd for 1 year versus 5 years both tell us about treatment duration. But what matters most is: are you stable? Is it working? Have you been on the current dose? Length of time on medication is less important than current stability and good response.

What if I have a history of suicide attempts?

Direct answer: Be honest and provide complete information. Approval is likely if you’re stable.

Suicide attempt history requires more thorough underwriting. Underwriters need details: when, method, treatment after, current risk level, protective factors, and length of stability. Be honest and provide mental health provider documentation. If you’re stable on Viibryd with low current risk and professional support, approval is likely with rate adjustment reflecting your history.

Can I apply if I’m currently in severe depression or crisis?

Direct answer: It’s better to wait until you’re more stable.

If you’re currently in severe depression, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or in acute crisis, it’s better to wait until you’re more stable before applying. Work with your mental health provider to achieve stability first. Once you’ve been stable for 6+ months, apply. You’ll get better rates and smoother underwriting when you’re clearly stable.