Mental health

Fewer antidepressants should be prescribed, say researchers

Doctors should prescribe fewer antidepressants, and for shorter periods, according to a review of the evidence on antidepressant use, published online in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. The researchers warn that withdrawal symptoms are common, and can be severe, and long-lasting. They add that there are ongoing uncertainties about their effectiveness and there is no clinically relevant difference between antidepressants and placebos on depression.