Study: About 20% Of Patients May Discontinue Antidepressants Without Physician’s Knowledge

Medscape (5/12, Lowry) reports that a study published in the May issue of Psychiatric Services, a publication of the American Psychiatric Association, reveals that approximately “20% of patients who are prescribed antidepressants stop taking them without telling their” physician. The 1,411-participant study also revealed that “characteristics of those most likely to discontinue these medications include younger age, being diagnosed with anxiety or substance use disorder in addition to depression, and being treated in a general medical setting rather than by a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist.” An accompanying editorial (5/12) observed that “the study addresses a key issue ‘that is commonly hidden from physicians.’”

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