• Br J Gen Pract · Jul 2023

    Health professionals' views on discontinuation of long-term antidepressants: a systematic review and thematic synthesis.

    • Ellen Van Leeuwen, Emma Maund, Tony Kendrick, Sibyl Anthierens, Catherine Woods, and Thierry Christiaens.
    • Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences & Unit General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University, Ghent, Belgium.
    • Br J Gen Pract. 2023 Jul 1; 73 (suppl 1).

    BackgroundLong-term antidepressant use, much longer than recommended by guidelines, may cause harmful effects and generate unnecessary costs.AimTo investigate health professionals (HPs) views of long-term antidepressant discontinuation and their barriers and facilitators.MethodSystematic review and meta-synthesis. We included studies that used qualitative data collection and had data on HPs perceptions on (dis)continuing AD use. The review searched nine database sources until May 2022. Study quality was assessed using the CASP checklist and the COREQ criteria. A thematic synthesis was performed.ResultsThirteen studies were included in the review. Nine studies were of GPs' perspectives, one study of psychiatrists', and three of a mix of HPs. Barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term AD yielded eight themes, ordered chronologically according to the considerations that HPs make when they review a long-term AD: perception of AD use, fears, HP role and responsibility, HPs attitude towards discontinuation, HPs confidence regarding ability to stop AD, perceived patient readiness to stop, support from relatives and support from other HP.ConclusionDeprescribing long-term AD is a difficult and complex process for HPs. The review found evidence that the barriers far outweigh the facilitators. More education on the lack of evidence for the long-term effect of AD and the risks of long-term use, guidance on managing long-term use, and support for HPs and patients is needed to increase long-term AD discontinuation. Further research from an HP perspective other than GPs is required and should also explore how HPs can be supported in managing discontinuation ADs.© British Journal of General Practice 2023.

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