The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs

The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines provide comprehensive and authoritative information on safely reducing or stopping antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and z-drugs for patients, including step-by-step guidance for all commonly used medications, common pitfalls, troubleshooting, supportive strategies, and more. In 2023, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations called for patients to be informed of their right to discontinue treatment and to receive support to do so, and the guidelines fill a significant gap in guidance for clinicians.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed guidelines for safely reducing or discontinuing antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and z-drugs for patients. This evidence-based handbook offers step-by-step guidance for all commonly used medications, covering common pitfalls, troubleshooting, supportive strategies, and more.

While most formal guidance on psychiatric medication focuses on starting or switching medications, there is a significant gap in information regarding deprescribing medication. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations called for patients to be informed of their right to discontinue treatment and to receive support to do so, recognizing it as a human right.

The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines addresses this gap by providing comprehensive and authoritative information on deprescribing. This evidence-based handbook is derived from fundamental scientific principles and the latest research on this topic, combined with emerging insights from clinical practice, including input from patient experts. Building on the well-established brand of The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines, and the prominence of the authors' work, including their influential article on tapering antidepressants in The Lancet Psychiatry, the guidelines offer valuable insights and practical guidance for clinicians.

The guidelines cover various topics related to deprescribing, including why and when to deprescribe antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and z-drugs. It explores barriers and enablers to deprescribing, such as physical dependence, social circumstances, and knowledge about the discontinuation process. The book also distinguishes between withdrawal symptoms and true relapse, helping clinicians identify and manage potential challenges during the deprescribing process.

In addition to providing clinical guidance, The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines offers practical strategies for supporting patients during the deprescribing journey. It emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and collaboration between clinicians and patients, ensuring that the decision to deprescribe is made in the best interests of the individual. The guidelines also provide resources and references for further reading and learning, allowing clinicians to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in deprescribing.

By providing comprehensive and authoritative information on deprescribing, The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines fills a significant gap in guidance for clinicians. It empowers clinicians to provide safe and effective treatment options for their patients, promoting patient-centered care and improving overall mental health outcomes.

Weight: 1152g
Dimension: 170 x 244 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119822981