Quality prescribing for antidepressants: guide for improvement 2024 to 2027

Cook, Alastair; Mair, Alpana; Smith, Gregor; Strath, Alison

Abstract

The prescribing of antidepressants continues to increase in Scotland, with many people receiving antidepressants for two years or more. This may be appropriate for some individuals, but it is important that ongoing treatment is reviewed regularly and that the risks and benefits of treatment are discussed. Treatment goals should be agreed with individuals, both at the time of initiation and when reviewing medication, and treatment plans should take a holistic approach to management and support. These should include discussions of non-pharmacological and wider community support options where these are available and indicated.

This prescribing advice is primarily intended to support and encourage the appropriate use of antidepressants for mental health and physical conditions, as part of the wider treatment options available. It supports appropriate initiation of antidepressants, regular and proactive reviews, reduction and stopping of treatment where it is ineffective or where treatment courses have been completed. Regular person-centred reviews can optimise the care of those receiving antidepressants and minimise avoidable medicine-related harm. These reviews can also support and enable appropriate continuation of antidepressant treatment where this is required, using the 7-Steps person-centred review approach.

Citation

Cook, A., Mair, A., Smith, G., & Strath, A. (2024). Quality prescribing for antidepressants: guide for improvement 2024 to 2027

• Report Type: Technical Report
• Acceptance Date: Aug 8, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Aug 8, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-07
• Deposit Date: Nov 1, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 1, 2024
• Publisher: Scottish Government
• Publisher URL: https://www.gov.scot/publications/quality-prescribing-antidepressants-guide-improvement-2024-2027/documents/