Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a new initiative to address what he described as the “overuse” of psychiatric medications, particularly among children. Speaking at a Make America Healthy Again Institute summit, Kennedy announced efforts to shift toward deprescribing—the supervised reduction or discontinuation of medications—while emphasizing patient autonomy and informed consent.
According to a 2025 survey of over 30,000 adults, 16.6% were using antidepressants, which rank among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. Kennedy stressed the effort is not about forcing patients off medication but rather ensuring both patients and clinicians have information to make the right decisions.
The initiative includes several components. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced new guidance allowing physicians to be reimbursed for helping patients safely taper off psychiatric medications and monitor withdrawal. An HHS “Dear Colleague” letter urged providers to prioritize informed consent and shared decision-making while routinely reassessing the risks and benefits of psychiatric medications with patients.
The plan also highlights alternative treatment approaches including therapy, family support, better nutrition and exercise. An HHS spokesperson noted that rising prescription rates among children, including increases in ADHD diagnoses and antidepressant use, reflect “overmedicalization” and underscore the need to expand non-drug, evidence-based treatment options. The department plans to produce a report on prescribing trends, provide more training for doctors, and establish a panel of experts to guide future decisions on medication use.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://us.headtopics.com/news/rfk-jr-unveils-initiative-targeting-overuse-of-83022233