STAT+: HHS presses ahead with effort to curb antidepressant use

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is advancing an initiative to help Americans reduce or stop antidepressant use through deprescribing efforts. Federal health officials and mental health professionals discussed clinical guidance for tapering antidepressants, reviewed European practices, and explored nonmedication options like therapy. The talks highlighted gaps in research on SSRI side effects and distinguishing them from depressive symptoms.