The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched an initiative to address concerns about the overprescription of psychiatric medications, especially among children and adolescents. This effort is part of the MAHA Action Plan, which aims to promote prevention, informed consent, shared decision-making, and the use of non-medication approaches such as psychotherapy, family support, nutrition, and physical activity.

Background

A recent commentary published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) explores the tension at the heart of the HHS initiative. While HHS officials argue that psychiatric medications, particularly antidepressants and antipsychotics, are overprescribed, many clinicians and researchers caution that mental health needs remain substantial and that reducing medication use carries its own risks.

The HHS plan includes evaluating prescription patterns, benefits, and potential harms, as well as promoting deprescribing – tapering or discontinuing medications when they no longer provide clinical benefit. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued guidance on reimbursing deprescribing services under Medicare.

Expert Consensus

Expert consensus from the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology provides recommendations for deprescribing psychotropic medications, stressing periodic reassessment, patient involvement, and close monitoring during tapering.

The HHS initiatives could influence clinical practice nationwide, with supporters arguing that the focus on deprescribing and alternatives may reduce unnecessary exposure to medications with side effects and support more personalized care. Critics caution that framing issues primarily as overmedicalization could overlook workforce shortages, barriers to psychotherapy, and individuals who benefit from medication.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.