The National Assembly’s Petitions Committee has welcomed the announcement by the Royal College of Psychiatrists that it is updating its guidance on prescribing anti-depressants.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Chair of the Petitions Committee, said:
“The Committee welcomes the move by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and is pleased our report on the issue of Prescription Drug dependency (PDD) had played a part in changing attitudes.
"Antidepressants and other prescription medications can be a lifeline to many people. However, there is a growing body of opinion that it can be difficult to stop using some medications and that not enough advice is available to patients at the outset.
"What is clear is that we need to do more to improve the support and information that is available to people who are prescribed these medications.
“Today’s announcement by the Royal College of Psychiatrists is a positive step towards that and we are now looking for other organisations and health services to follow suit.”