RFK Jr.’s antidepressant curbs could reshape US mental health care

RFK Jr.’s latest HHS policy calls for reducing antidepressant use in depression and expanding non-drug options like therapy, diet, exercise, and social support to tackle so‑called overmedicalisation of mental health. While some experts welcome a more cautious approach, many caution that antidepressants (especially SSRIs) help many patients and that deprescribing must be careful and context‑aware, given access barriers and complex needs. With roughly a third of Americans having used antidepressants, the policy could change treatment dynamics, but real‑world impact will depend on resources, implementation, and ensuring patients aren’t left untreated.