Management of depression in adults: summary of updated NICE guidance

What you need to knowDiscuss treatment options to match the needs and preferences of a person with a new episode of depressionConsider the least intrusive and least resource-intensive available treatment (eg, guided self-help) first for less severe depressionDo not offer antidepressant medication routinely as first line treatment for less severe depression unless that is the person’s preferenceWhen stopping antidepressants, advise a relatively long tapering using a proportional (hyperbolic) reduction scheduleSince the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published its last guideline on depression in 2009,1 the prevalence of depression has increased,2 particularly among vulnerable adults during the covid-19 pandemic.3 Yet fewer than half of people affected receive treatment,2 despite increased provision of psychological therapies4 and antidepressants.5 Most people who are treated still receive antidepressants6 despite previous guideline recommendations to offer psychological therapies first,1 and Public Health England is concerned that long term antidepressant prescribing is increasing, with many…
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