Psychiatry

Major Depressive Disorder

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Patient Care Perspectives Podcast: Structured Antidepressant Tapering and Support

patient care perspectives by Michael E. Thase, MD
Overview

Structured antidepressant tapering for patients with depression requires an evaluation of multiple factors, including the reason for ending treatment. Tapering a drug that never worked or that caused intolerable side effects is usually straightforward. However, tapering an antidepressant after months of successful treatment must occur more carefully to avoid discontinuation-related symptoms. In today’s podcast, Michael E. Thase, MD, discusses important clinical contexts and practical considerations when tapering antidepressants.

 

References

Moncrieff J, Hobday H, Sørensen A, et al. Evidence on antidepressant withdrawal: an appraisal and reanalysis of a recent systematic review. Psychol Med. 2025;55:e191. doi:10.1017/S0033291725100652

 

Spence D. Are antidepressants overprescribed? Yes, they still are. BMJ. 2026;392:s255. doi:10.1136/bmj.s255

 

Zaccoletti D, Mosconi C, Gastaldon C, et al. Comparison of antidepressant deprescribing strategies in individuals with clinically remitted depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry. 2026;13(1):24-36. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(25)00330-X

Michael E. Thase, MD

Professor of Psychiatry
Director, Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Treatment and Research Program
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

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