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Experiences and opinions
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Can you think of a patient for whom discontinuing long-term antidepressant use was successful and describe the experience and the process used? (long-term >2 years) Now can you think of a patient for whom discontinuing long-term antidepressant use was unsuccessful and describe how the experience was different and why you think the attempt was unsuccessful? We know distinguishing between relapse and withdrawal symptoms can be challenging, can you talk a little about your experience with this in relation to discontinuing long-term antidepressant use? Can you describe your monitoring and reviewing process for patients on antidepressant therapy? In general terms, what do you think about the role of antidepressants in treating depression?
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Decision-making
What factors play a role in your decision to continue or discontinue long-term antidepressant use? What do you see as the risks of stopping long-term antidepressant treatment? What do you see as the benefits of stopping long-term antidepressant treatment?
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Support for GPs
To what extent do you feel you have sufficient knowledge and experience to advise patients correctly and to help them with discontinuing antidepressants? What would you need to discontinue long-term antidepressant use with more patients?
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Non-pharmacological support for patients
What non-pharmacological interventions do you refer patients to? Are you aware of any low-intensity non-pharmacological interventions (such as online CBT, guided self-help, wellbeing apps or websites) for patients and do you ever suggest them to your patients? The idea of social prescribing in general practice (or community referral to social groups) is gaining momentum as a model of care, do you have any thoughts about it and its use in supporting patients who are discontinuing long-term antidepressant use?
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