As the federal health department launches a plan to wean patients off antidepressants, mental health advocates and psychiatrists say blaming the United States' mental health crisis on overmedicalization and overprescription of psychiatric medications is an inaccurate portrayal of a complex problem.
"It really is an oversimplification," says Dr. Theresa Miskimen Rivera, president of the American Psychiatric Association. "And it really ignores the larger reality, which is that too many patients really cannot access timely, comprehensive care that is much needed for our nation."
But, she adds that she and the American Psychiatric Association support any plans to better train healthcare providers to safely prescribe and wean patients off antidepressants.
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