Thread by @BryanMcElroy8

Further reflections & learning points from last nights expert panel discussion:

Withdrawal from psychotropic medications is a multifaceted, complex process - never do so cold turkey & try your utmost to find a dr to work with you with an open, flexible, slow tapering approach

https://twitter.com/cep_uk/status/1350164956742905857

2/ The importance of accurate language:

‘Discontinuation syndrome’ was a term coined by pharmaceutical companies in an effort to address (cover over) the issue of withdrawal effects & dependency forming nature that antidepressants can have in up to 50% of people.

3/ Social prescribing is a very valid alternative to prescribing an antidepressant and is gaining momentum in the UK.

Gardening, outdoor or social activities can renew self esteem & lift low mood.

Informed consent means educating people regarding a range of alternatives.

4/ Good family/ social support can be really important including family members education themselves about withdrawal e.g. Surviving antidepressants (@Altostrata ), CEPUK.org or @_innercompass

5/ Reading the success stories on surviving antidepressants website can be really encouraging & provide guidance & emotional support in the process

6/ For GPs & Psychiatrists:

It is important to be available for those struggling through withdrawal, to have a flexible approach with a strong therapeutic alliance, with both patient and prescriber harnessing the ability to tolerate uncertainty

7/ Overall it was an excellent discussion

Thank you @ReadReadj @jf_moore Luke Montagu @CEP_UK @Altostrata & Swapnil Gupta for your incredible work in this area

A further step in a painfully slow process of improvement, transparency & honest discussion