The REDUCE trial, finally published last month, established that nearly 60% of those prescribed antidepressants were unable, for whatever reason, to stop them. The REDUCE trial chose not to comment on this. Peer Reviewers supported this omission. The media followed suit.
Something is going on here.
This was a key recommendation of Defeat Depression Campaign:
Following publication of the REDUCE trial, the lead author has been asked questions. If I was on social media I would ask:
The 1990s Defeat Depression Campaign was based on a prevalence of 1 in 20 having ‘clinical’ depression [based on a ‘consensus’ conclusion of experts]. Why then are nearly 1 in 5 adults prescribed an antidepressant today?
The REDUCE trial does not even begin to address this. This has not stopped the lead author to state: “stop blaming people who need long term treatment to remain well”.
Something is going on here.