The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has issued a statement emphasizing the importance of evidence-based treatment for depression and suicide prevention, following the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ release of an action plan addressing concerns about psychiatric overprescribing. AFSP’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Yu Moutier stressed that any guidance on this issue must reflect the full body of scientific evidence, recognizing both the risks and life-saving benefits of treatment.
Depression is one of the most prevalent risk factors for suicide, yet millions of people in the United States go undiagnosed and untreated each year, with half of those with mental health conditions not receiving any treatment. Evidence-based treatment through psychotherapy, medications, or a combination remains one of the most actionable ways to reduce suicide risk. Research demonstrates that antidepressants are effective in treating acute depressive episodes, preventing future episodes, and reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. For people with moderate to severe Major Depressive Disorder, the most effective treatment is often cognitive behavioral therapy in combination with an antidepressant.
While misinformation and fear of psychiatric medications have led to decreased identification and treatment of depression with serious public health consequences, the judicious use of antidepressants reduces suicide risk overall, according to decades of research. Appropriate medication discontinuation can play a role in high-quality care when guided by careful clinical assessment, but abrupt discontinuation or inappropriate “deprescribing” outside a collaborative patient-provider process can increase risk, including potential symptom relapse and elevated suicide risk.
Research highlights a significant gap in access to care: while three of four individuals who die by suicide have contact with a primary care clinician in the year prior to death, only about one-third have contact with mental health services. AFSP advocates for equipping all points of care with knowledge and resources to recognize depression early and ensure timely treatment. The organization urges policymakers, clinicians, and the public to support evidence-based mental health care, expand access and affordability, and address misinformation that may deter people from seeking treatment.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/afsp-statement-on-the-importance-of-antidepressants-and-evidence-based-treatment-for-suicide-prevention-302762738.html