Calls to Reverse Antidepressant Prescribing in the UK Gain Momentum
A group of medical professionals, researchers, patient representatives, and politicians are urging the UK government to reverse the rate of antidepressant prescribing, which has nearly doubled in England over the past decade. They highlight the adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms associated with long-term use of antidepressants, as well as the lack of improvement in mental health outcomes at the population level. The group calls for public health recommendations to be implemented, including stopping the prescribing of antidepressants for mild conditions, adhering to safe prescribing and withdrawal management guidelines, and funding withdrawal services integrated with non-pharmacological interventions. They also suggest reducing antidepressant prescribing as an indicator in healthcare quality frameworks and establishing a national prescribed drug withdrawal helpline and website.