Psychiatric Deprescribing: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Objective: Psychiatric deprescribing is an intervention where psychiatric medications are reduced or discontinued with the goal to improve health and reduce unnecessary risks. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the literature related to psychiatric deprescribing to discuss practice and research implications.

Methods: A structured search of the literature was conducted from May to September 2022, yielding 29 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Articles were reviewed and synthesized.

Results: Psychiatric deprescribing is a complex process with many potential facilitators and barriers. The extant literature provides insight into current gaps in knowledge and implications for clinical practice and research.

Conclusions: In current clinical practice, psychiatric deprescribing is a priority but there are significant barriers. Several areas of future research could be pursued to better support evidence-based practice in this area.

Keywords: deprescriptions; drug tapering; mental disorders; polypharmacy.