What the new research could mean for YOU

THE research casts doubt on the official view that withdrawal from antidepressants usually causes only mild and short-lived effects.

This view is set out in current guidelines – which are available for use by doctors in Scotland – and in a recent statement by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

It said: ‘In the vast majority of patients, any unpleasant symptoms experienced on discontinuing antidepressants have resolved within two weeks.’

A paper published in the Lancet in April also said the drugs were ‘safe and effective’ but the latest research suggests that as many as half of those on the drugs will experience withdrawal, with nearly half of those suffering severe effects.

Dr James Davies, one of the authors of the new study, says: ‘We are very much hoping that our research will influence the direction of the guidance because, in our view, the consequences of the guidelines being wrong on this issue are very concerning.’

Professor John Read, report co-author, adds: ‘We want NICE to acknowledge that antidepressant withdrawal is more common, long-lasting and severe than current guidelines state.’

Psychiatrist Dr Joanna Moncrieff hopes doctors and patients will exercise more caution before starting antidepressants.

She added: ‘We give people these drugs for years on end and haven’t worked out what happens to them, how that affects the body and what happens when people stop them.’

A petition calling for better recognition of and support for Scots affected by prescription drug addiction is going through the Scottish parliament at present.