I have submitted this response, on the above paper, to the BMJ:
Dear Editor,
I would like to add my support to the proposal put forward by Davies et al [1]. I also agree with Groot et al that it is vital that practical means are provided for patients to taper their medication gradually and hyperbolically [2].
As a retired NHS psychiatrist I was disappointed in the response made by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on an issue that is devastating lives. The College went no further than to say “Most people will be able to stop taking antidepressants without significant difficulty by reducing the dose (known as ‘tapering’) over a few weeks or months” [3]. The Royal College of Psychiatrists “the voice of psychiatry” does not hold back in celebrating its achievements, yet in the glossy, recently published Impact Report, there is no mention of this issue, let alone any efforts to address, what can be, protracted iatrogenic suffering [4]. Yet again, the College seems to be downplaying this issue. One can only speculate why.
British Psychiatry is heavily influenced by opinion leaders who are often paid by industry [5]. These opinion leaders are in positions where they can significantly influence prescribing of psychiatric drugs. Furthermore, this group determinedly shape and form the overall narrative arguing that they are free from “ideology”. Yet, the exact basis of their “joint working” is generally opaque [6].
As far as I am aware the Royal College of Psychiatrists has made no formal response to the Cumberlege Review [7]. If I am correct, this is concerning. Without addressing the recommendations of this review how can we, the public, be confident that another generation will not have their lives devastated by drugs taken as prescribed?
References:
[1] Davies et al. The government has a moral duty to help those harmed by prescribed dependence forming drugs.
[2] Groot et al, Rapid response.
[3] RCPsych responds to BBC Panorama
[5] David Nutt et al. A leaky umbrella has little value: evidence clearly indicates the serotonin system is implicated in depression. Molecular Psychiatry, 16 June 2023
[6] UK will consult on disclosure of industry payments to doctors ahead of possible legislation.
[7] Cumberlege review exposes stubborn and dangerous flaws in healthcare.