The APPG for Prescribed Drug Dependence welcomes the Panorama investigation into antidepressants

The APPG for Prescribed Drug Dependence is pleased that Panorama is bringing attention to the serious issue of antidepressant overprescribing and dependence. While these medications can be beneficial for some individuals in the short term, they have been prescribed too readily and to too many people over recent decades. Data reveals that in 2020/21, there were 83 million prescriptions for antidepressants in England, with over 8 million adults currently using these drugs. Often prescribed for mild, temporary emotional issues, many individuals end up using them for years, unable to stop. Research indicates that about 25% of those trying to withdraw from antidepressants will experience severe symptoms, which can result in debilitating, long-term suffering and, in some cases, suicide. Panorama’s program effectively highlights these distressing stories.

Public Health England’s 2019 report found that 25% of the adult population in England had used a dependency-forming drug in the past year. The report included several key recommendations, including the establishment of a national 24-hour helpline, a call supported by the BMA, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and the Royal College of General Practitioners. Since then, NHS England has issued a commissioning framework calling for Integrated Care Boards to develop local withdrawal services.

However, no additional funding has been allocated for these services, and the Government has also refused to fund the proposed helpline. The situation has worsened as several charities providing support have lost their funding, with one of the last remaining services, the Bristol and District Tranquiliser Project, set to close its doors this August.

It is morally unacceptable that patients harmed by medications prescribed to them are unable to access necessary support services. We urgently call on the Government to provide funding for these vital services, including a national 24-hour helpline.

Danny Kruger, Chair of the APPG for Prescribed Drug Dependence, stated: “This powerful Panorama program underscores the severe suffering caused by antidepressant dependence, which is far too common due to overprescription. Research shows that nearly 2 million people in the UK are at risk of severe withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants. The Government has a moral duty to address this issue and must urgently implement the key recommendations from its 2019 review, including funding for local withdrawal services and a national 24-hour helpline.”