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Vinkers CH, Kupka RW, Penninx BW, Ruhé HG, van Gaalen JM, van Haaren PCF, Schellekens AFA, Jauhar S, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Vieta E, Tiihonen J, Veldman SE, Veling W, Vis R, de Wit LE, Luykx JJ. Discontinuation of psychotropic medication: a synthesis of evidence across medication classes. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:2575-2586. [PMID: 38503923 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02445-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacotherapy is an effective treatment modality across psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, many patients discontinue their medication at some point. Evidence-based guidance for patients, clinicians, and policymakers on rational discontinuation strategies is vital to enable the best, personalized treatment for any given patient. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of guidelines on discontinuation strategies. In this perspective, we therefore summarize and critically appraise the evidence on discontinuation of six major psychotropic medication classes: antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, opioids, and stimulants. For each medication class, a wide range of topics pertaining to each of the following questions are discussed: (1) Who can discontinue (e.g., what are risk factors for relapse?); (2) When to discontinue (e.g., after 1 year or several years of antidepressant use?); and (3) How to discontinue (e.g., what's the efficacy of dose reduction compared to full cessation and interventions to mitigate relapse risk?). We thus highlight how comparing the evidence across medication classes can identify knowledge gaps, which may pave the way for more integrated research on discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan H Vinkers
- Department of Psychiatry and Anatomy & Neurosciences, Amsterdam University Medical Center location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health Program and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Mood, Anxiety, Psychosis, Sleep & Stress Program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- GGZ inGeest Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ralph W Kupka
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience and Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda W Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience and Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henricus G Ruhé
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jakob M van Gaalen
- GGZ inGeest Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience and Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul C F van Haaren
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arnt F A Schellekens
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sameer Jauhar
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Psychological Medicine, IoPPN, King's College, London, UK
| | - Josep A Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 11364, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council, Stockholm, Sweden
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stijn E Veldman
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Novadic-Kentron Addiction Care, Vught, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Veling
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roeland Vis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein/Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura E de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein/Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J Luykx
- GGZ inGeest Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience and Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Van Leeuwen E, Maund E, Woods C, Bowers H, Christiaens T, Kendrick T. Health care professional barriers and facilitators to discontinuing antidepressant use: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:616-627. [PMID: 38640978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long-term antidepressant (AD) use, much longer than recommended, is very common and can lead to potential harms. OBJECTIVE To investigate the existing literature on perspectives of health professionals (HPs) regarding long-term AD treatment, focusing on barriers and facilitators to discontinuation. METHODS A systematic review with thematic synthesis. Eight electronic databases were searched until August 2023 including MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AMED, Health Management Information Consortium, and the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertation. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included in the review. Of these, nine focused on general practitioner perspectives, one on psychiatrist perspectives, and three on a mix of HPs perspectives. Barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term ADs emerged within eight themes, ordered chronologically based on HP considerations during an AD review: perception of AD use, fears, HP role and responsibility, HPs' perception of AD discontinuation, HPs' confidence regarding their ability to manage discontinuation, perceived patient readiness to stop, support from patient's trusted people, and support from other HPs. LIMITATIONS Coding and development of subthemes and themes was performed by one researcher and further developed through discussion within the research team. CONCLUSION Deprescribing long-term ADs is a challenging concept for HPs. The review found evidence that the barriers far outweigh the facilitators with fear of relapse as a main barrier. HP education, reassurance and confidence-building is essential to increase the initiation of the discontinuation process. Further research into the perspectives of pharmacists and mental health workers is needed as well as exploring the role of trusted people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Leeuwen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Emma Maund
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Health & Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Woods
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Health & Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Bowers
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Health & Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Tony Kendrick
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Health & Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Huijbers MJ, Wentink C, Lucassen PL, Kramers C, Akkermans R, Spijker J, Speckens AE. Supporting antidepressant discontinuation using mindfulness plus monitoring versus monitoring alone: A cluster randomized trial in general practice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290965. [PMID: 37669281 PMCID: PMC10479886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Discontinuing antidepressant medication (ADM) can be challenging for patients and clinicians. In the current study we investigated if Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) added to supported protocolized discontinuation (SPD) is more effective than SPD alone to help patients discontinue ADM. This study describes a prospective, cluster-randomized controlled trial (completed). From 151 invited primary care practices in the Netherlands, 36 (24%) were willing to participate and randomly allocated to SPD+MBCT (k = 20) or SPD (k = 16). Adults using ADM > 9 months were invited by GPs to discuss tapering, followed by either MBCT+SPD, or SPD alone. Exclusion criteria included current psychiatric treatment; substance use disorder; non-psychiatric indication for ADM; attended MBCT within past 5 years; cognitive barriers. From the approximately 3000 invited patients, 276 responded, 119 participated in the interventions and 92 completed all assessments. All patients were offered a decision aid and a personalized tapering schedule (with GP). MBCT consisted of eight group sessions of 2.5 hours and one full day of practice. SPD was optional and consisted of consultations with a mental health assistant. Patients were assessed at baseline and 6, 9 and 12 months follow-up, non-blinded. In line with our protocol, primary outcome was full discontinuation of ADM within 6 months. Secondary outcomes were depression, anxiety, withdrawal symptoms, rumination, well-being, mindfulness skills, and self-compassion. Patients allocated to SPD + MBCT (n = 73) were not significantly more successful in discontinuing (44%) than those allocated to SPD (n = 46; 33%), OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.73 to 3.49, p = .24, number needed to treat = 9. Only 20/73 allocated to MBCT (27%) completed MBCT. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, we were unable to demonstrate a significant benefit of adding MBCT to SPD to support discontinuation in general practice. Actual participation in patient-tailored interventions was low, both for practices and for patients. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov PRS ID: NCT03361514 registered December 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes J. Huijbers
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien Wentink
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L.B.J. Lucassen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Kramers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier Akkermans
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Spijker
- Expertise Centre for Depression, Pro Persona Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne E.M. Speckens
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Goh SSL, Lai PSM, Ramdzan SN, Tan KM. Weighing the necessities and concerns of deprescribing among older ambulatory patients and primary care trainees: a qualitative study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:136. [PMID: 37391698 PMCID: PMC10311750 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02084-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deprescribing can be a challenging and complex process, particularly for early career doctors such as primary care trainees. To date, there is limited data from patients' and doctors' perspectives regarding the deprescribing of medications in older persons, particularly from developing countries. This study aimed to explore the necessities and concerns of deprescribing in older persons among older ambulatory patients and primary care trainees. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted among patients and primary care trainees (known henceforth as doctors). Patients aged ≥ 60 years, having ≥ 1 chronic disease and prescribed ≥ 5 medications and could communicate in either English or Malay were recruited. Doctors and patients were purposively sampled based on their stage of training as family medicine specialists and ethnicity, respectively. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic approach was used to analyse data. RESULTS Twenty-four in-depth interviews (IDIs) with patients and four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 23 doctors were conducted. Four themes emerged: understanding the concept of deprescribing, the necessity to perform deprescribing, concerns regarding deprescribing and factors influencing deprescribing. Patients were receptive to the idea of deprescribing when the term was explained to them, whilst doctors had a good understanding of deprescribing. Both patients and doctors would deprescribe when the necessity outweighed their concerns. Factors that influenced deprescribing were doctor-patient rapport, health literacy among patients, external influences from carers and social media, and system challenges. CONCLUSION Deprescribing was deemed necessary by both patients and doctors when there was a reason to do so. However, both doctors and patients were afraid to deprescribe as they 'didn't want to rock the boat'. Early-career doctors were reluctant to deprescribe as they felt compelled to continue medications that were initiated by another specialist. Doctors requested more training on how to deprescribe medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheron Sir Loon Goh
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Pauline Siew Mei Lai
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Siti Nurkamilla Ramdzan
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Kit Mun Tan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
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Patient-reported outcomes for medication-related quality of life: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3501-3523. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Van Leeuwen E, Anthierens S, van Driel ML, De Sutter A, De Beir R, Christiaens T. Should I, can I, dare I? Patients' view on stopping long-term antidepressant use, a qualitative study. Acta Clin Belg 2022; 77:962-969. [PMID: 35007191 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2021.2024384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The rise in long-term antidepressant use is concerning. Long-term antidepressant (AD) use, much longer than recommended by guidelines, can result in risk of adverse events and generate unnecessary costs. In order to mitigate these risks, patients views about their antidepressants and how to discontinue need to be taken into account. We aimed to explore patients' experiences and views of discontinuing long-term AD, barriers and facilitators of discontinuation and required support. METHODS Semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted with 14 patients with long-term AD use in primary care. Interviews were analysed thematically. RESULTS Participants describe various perceptions about discontinuation. There is fear of returning to their depression, even in those who were ambivalent about the effectiveness and safety of AD continuation. Participants describe low confidence in their own coping resources, fear of stress, and previous negative experiences with stopping. This enhances their perception of AD dependence. Participants indicate the importance of the support of their GP and their social network to help them withdraw. CONCLUSION Discontinuation of long-term antidepressants is a complex issue for patients. More awareness of the lack of evidence and the potential risks of long-term AD continuation is required. By raising the issue and offering support during discontinuation GPs can help their patients stop AD. A greater focus on non-pharmacological approaches of depression in primary care is needed to reduce unnecessary AD use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Leeuwen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit General Practice Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Unit General Practice Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - An De Sutter
- Unit General Practice Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rani De Beir
- Huisartsenpraktijk Eureka, General Practice “Van Poucke”, Belgium
- Ghent University: Universiteit Gent, Belgium
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Long-term antidepressant use in general practice: a qualitative study of GPs' views on discontinuation. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:e508-e516. [PMID: 33875415 PMCID: PMC8074642 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2020.0913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is considerable concern about increasing antidepressant use, with Australians among the highest users in the world. Evidence suggests this is driven by patients on long-term use, rather than new prescriptions. Most antidepressant prescriptions are generated in general practice, and it is likely that attempts to discontinue are either not occurring or are proving unsuccessful. Aim To explore GPs’ insights about long-term antidepressant prescribing and discontinuation. Design and setting A qualitative interview study with Australian GPs. Method Semi-structured interviews explored GPs’ discontinuation experiences, decision-making, perceived risks and benefits, and support for patients. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Three overarching themes were identified from interviews with 22 GPs. The first, ‘not a simple deprescribing decision’, spoke to the complex decision-making GPs undertake in determining whether a patient is ready to discontinue. The second, ‘a journey taken together’, captured a set of steps GPs take together with their patients to initiate and set-up adequate support before, during, and after discontinuation. The third, ‘supporting change in GPs’ prescribing practices’, described what GPs would like to see change to better support them and their patients to discontinue antidepressants. Conclusion GPs see discontinuation of long-term antidepressant use as more than a simple deprescribing decision. It begins with considering a patient’s social and relational context, and is a journey involving careful preparation, tailored care, and regular review. These insights suggest interventions to redress long-term use will need to take these considerations into account and be placed in a wider discussion about the use of antidepressants.
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Framer A. What I have learnt from helping thousands of people taper off antidepressants and other psychotropic medications. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:2045125321991274. [PMID: 33796265 PMCID: PMC7970174 DOI: 10.1177/2045125321991274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although psychiatric drug withdrawal syndromes have been recognized since the 1950s - recent studies confirm antidepressant withdrawal syndrome incidence upwards of 40% - medical information about how to safely go off the drugs has been lacking. To fill this gap, over the last 25 years, patients have developed a robust Internet-based subculture of peer support for tapering off psychiatric drugs and recovering from withdrawal syndrome. This account from the founder of such an online community covers lessons learned from thousands of patients regarding common experiences with medical providers, identification of adverse drug reactions, risk factors for withdrawal, tapering techniques, withdrawal symptoms, protracted withdrawal syndrome, and strategies to cope with symptoms, in the context of the existing scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Framer
- SurvivingAntidepressants.org, San Francisco,
California, USA
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Huijbers MJ, Wentink C, Simons E, Spijker J, Speckens A. Discontinuing antidepressant medication after mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: a mixed-methods study exploring predictors and outcomes of different discontinuation trajectories, and its facilitators and barriers. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e039053. [PMID: 33177138 PMCID: PMC7661362 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore predictors and outcomes associated with different trajectories of discontinuing antidepressant medication (ADM), in recurrently depressed individuals after participation in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Facilitators and barriers of discontinuation were explored qualitatively. DESIGN Mixed-methods study combining quantitative and qualitative data, drawn from a randomised controlled trial. SETTING Twelve secondary and tertiary psychiatric outpatient clinics in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Recurrently depressed individuals (N=226) who had been using ADM for at least 6 months and in partial or full remission. Regardless of trial condition, we made post-hoc classifications of patients' actual discontinuation trajectories: full discontinuation (n=82), partial discontinuation (n=34) and no discontinuation (n=110) of ADM within 6 months after baseline. A subset of patients (n=15) and physicians (n=7) were interviewed to examine facilitators and barriers of discontinuation. INTERVENTIONS All participants were offered MBCT, which consisted of eight weekly sessions in a group. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Demographic and clinical predictors of successful discontinuation within 6 months, relapse risk within 15 months associated with different discontinuation trajectories, and barriers and facilitators of discontinuation. RESULTS Of the 128 patients assigned to MBCT with discontinuation, only 68 (53%) fully discontinued ADM within 6 months, and 17 (13%) discontinued partially. Predictors of full discontinuation were female sex, being employed and lower levels of depression. Relapse risk was lower after no discontinuation (45%) or partial discontinuation (38%), compared with full discontinuation (66%) (p=0.02). Facilitators and barriers of discontinuation were clustered within five themes: (1) pre-existing beliefs about depression, medication and tapering; (2) current experience with ADM; (3) life circumstances; (4) clinical support and (5) mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS Discontinuing antidepressants appears to be difficult, stressing the need to support patients and physicians in this process. MBCT may offer one of these forms of support. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT00928980); post-results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Esther Simons
- Primary and Community Care, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Spijker
- Expertise Centre for Depression, Pro Persona Locatie Tarweweg, Nijmegen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Speckens
- Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
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Guy A, Brown M, Lewis S, Horowitz M. The 'patient voice': patients who experience antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are often dismissed, or misdiagnosed with relapse, or a new medical condition. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320967183. [PMID: 33224468 PMCID: PMC7659022 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320967183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stopping antidepressants commonly causes withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and long-lasting. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance has been recently updated to reflect this; however, for many years withdrawal (discontinuation) symptoms were characterised as 'usually mild and self-limiting over a week'. Consequently, withdrawal symptoms might have been misdiagnosed as relapse of an underlying condition, or new onset of another medical illness, but this has never been studied. METHOD This paper outlines the themes emerging from 158 respondents to an open invitation to describe the experience of prescribed psychotropic medication withdrawal for petitions sent to British parliaments. The accounts include polypharmacy (mostly antidepressants and benzodiazepines) but we focus on antidepressants because of the relative lack of awareness about their withdrawal effects compared with benzodiazepines. Mixed method analysis was used, including a 'lean thinking' approach to evaluate common failure points. RESULTS The themes identified include: a lack of information given to patients about the risk of antidepressant withdrawal; doctors failing to recognise the symptoms of withdrawal; doctors being poorly informed about the best method of tapering prescribed medications; patients being diagnosed with relapse of the underlying condition or medical illnesses other than withdrawal; patients seeking advice outside of mainstream healthcare, including from online forums; and significant effects on functioning for those experiencing withdrawal. DISCUSSION Several points for improvement emerge: the need for updating of guidelines to help prescribers recognise antidepressant withdrawal symptoms and to improve informed consent processes; greater availability of non-pharmacological options for managing distress; greater availability of best practice for tapering medications such as antidepressants; and the vital importance of patient feedback. Although the patients captured in this analysis might represent medication withdrawal experiences that are more severe than average, they highlight the current inadequacy of health care systems to recognise and manage prescribed drug withdrawal, and patient feedback in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Guy
- Psychotherapist, Secretariat Co-ordinator for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK
| | - Marion Brown
- Retired Psychotherapist and Co-Founder of a Patient Support Group ‘Recovery and Renewal’, Helensburgh, UK
| | - Stevie Lewis
- Lived Experience of Prescribed Drug Dependence, Cardiff, UK
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Karter JM. Conversations with clients about antidepressant withdrawal and discontinuation. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320922738. [PMID: 32523678 PMCID: PMC7235658 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320922738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Karter
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 William T. Morrissey, Boston, MA 02125-3393, USA
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12
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Scholten W, Batelaan N, Van Balkom A. Barriers to discontinuing antidepressants in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders: a review of the literature and clinical recommendations. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320933404. [PMID: 32577215 PMCID: PMC7290254 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320933404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of antidepressants has recently increased, mainly caused by the increase of long-term users. Although evidence-based indications for long-term use are lacking, it is assumed that long-term use is unnecessary or undesirable in some patients. Perceived barriers to discontinuing antidepressants contribute to unnecessary or undesirable long-term use. Identifying barriers prior to, during and following discontinuation may enable strategies to overcome them. This narrative review summarises relevant qualitative and quantitative articles on perceived barriers to discontinuing antidepressants and provides recommendations for clinical practice. We can conclude that implications for clinical practice are diverse and the most important barriers experienced by patients and physicians include the fear of relapse or recurrence, insufficient evaluation and monitoring, withdrawal symptoms, and actual relapse or recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neeltje Batelaan
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Van Balkom
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, The Netherlands
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