What New Research Is Helping People Get Off Antidepressants Easier
Almost 50% of people taking long-term antidepressants could stop taking them if they had a doctor’s support and access to internet or telephone helplines, according to a new study.
According to the scientists, more than 40% of the people in the study who were doing well and also had no risk of relapse were able to stop the medication with the help of their doctors.
They also reported that patients who were able to access online support and telephone psychologists had lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawals, and better mental health.
The research was carried out by the universities of Southampton and Liverpool and Hull York Medical School and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The results were published in the journal Jama Network Open.
According to Professor Tony Kendrick of the University of Southampton, lead author of the study, the findings are important because they show that a large number of patients can stop taking drugs without the need for expensive psychotherapy sessions.
The study involved a total of 330 adults who took medication for more than two years after a first episode of depression or because of a relapse.
Antidepressants are generally recommended for no longer than two years, and the risk of side effects increases as people age, scientists say.