REDUCE WS2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reviewing long term anti-DEpressant Use by Careful monitoring in Everyday practice (REDUCE) programme
IRAS ID
212209
Contact name
Anthony Kendrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 12 months, 0 days
Research summary
There is considerable concern about increasing antidepressant use in England. GPs in England are giving out more than 60 million prescriptions a year, to more than 1 in 10 adults. Some people need long-term antidepressants to stop them getting depressed, but a third to a half of users could probably stop them without relapsing. However, stopping is not easy, due to withdrawal symptoms including anxiety and low mood which are usually temporary but feel similar to the reasons why patients were first put on antidepressants. So understandably some people restart their antidepressants quickly. Others are reluctant to try stopping because they feel well on medication and are afraid their symptoms may come back People taking antidepressants have told us their GPs often do not review them and just give repeat prescriptions. Studies show that when GPs review patients on long-term antidepressants and advise them where appropriate to withdraw, only 1 in 14 is able to stop. Patients can be fearful and withdrawal can be tricky so GPs and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who prescribe antidepressants need guidance on helping patients who want to withdraw, and patients need around the clock support.
This Work Stream (WS2) will draw on our patient and public involvement (PPI) and our team's expertise, informed by theoretical modelling based on identified literature, and insights gained from CBT-based internet programmes for anxiety and depression.
WS2 will identify the difficulties in withdrawing, and things that patients and practitioners think might help withdrawal, through interviews with patients taking antidepressants long-term, and through focus groups with GPs, NPs and primary care mental health workers (PCMHWs). Thematic analysis will be used, checking agreement between analysts, and discussing emerging themes with the whole study team.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0472
Date of REC Opinion
20 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion