WiserAD: Helping Australian’s safely stop antidepressants

A study recently published by the WiserAD team in the Primary Care Mental Health Research Program found that many people are turning to social media and peer support to help them stop their potentially unnecessary antidepressant treatment.

A common sentiment found among the 30 social media participants was that: “Doctors don't know about tapering and they often do not take patients that want to taper seriously… When a patient has withdrawal symptoms, they often say it is relapse.”

This has led to thousands of people flocking online where they can find peer support, read and share stories of success, and gain an understanding of withdrawal symptoms.

GPs are increasingly becoming aware of the complex nature of assisting patients to cease antidepressants. However, there are not enough safe or accessible guidelines often leaving them in the dark.

The WiserAD trial is looking to help bridge this gap between patient and GP needs as well as enhance clinical knowledge and education about antidepressants and deprescribing.

So far participants have been positive about the approach with one saying: “I don’t think I would have got this far without it. I seriously don’t. [The WiserAD nurse] is so good. It’s just nice because she’s genuine and caring. Like someone really does look out for you. Yes, just feeling that is really nice. So, it’s motivation to stay the course.”

People who are interested in taking part in WiserAD can self-refer into the study here: https://is.gd/wiserad_referral. GPs are also invited to refer their patients using the same online form.

You can read more about WiserAD and the above study in The Guardian, Pursuit and AusDoc.