Online tool to help reduce antidepressant use in primary care
WiserAD: A Randomised Trial of a Structured Online Intervention to Promote and Support Antidepressant Deprescribing in Primary Care.
This study tests whether an online tool can help patients and their doctors safely reduce or stop antidepressant use for those who have been stable on these medications for at least a year.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 312 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Melbourne Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Melbourne) |
| Trial ID | NCT05355025 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the effectiveness of WiserAD, an online support tool designed to assist patients and their general practitioners in the careful tapering and discontinuation of antidepressants. The study targets primary care patients who have been stable on antidepressants for at least 12 months and aims to address the issue of over-prescribing and inappropriate long-term use of these medications. By providing structured support, the intervention seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce the clinical burden associated with unnecessary antidepressant use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 who have been stable on antidepressants for at least 12 months and have no significant depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms or using antidepressants for other health conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to more appropriate use of antidepressants, improving patient health and reducing healthcare costs.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on this approach, the concept of deprescribing has shown promise in other studies, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-75 years * Stable on AD for \>=12m (no depressive episodes) * No history of recurrent depression * Sufficient English language proficiency to provide informed consent * No or mild depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) * Low risk of Suicide or Self-harm * Agree to consider reviewing their AD use * Agree to be randomized into the study * Willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Moderate/severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10) at study entry or history of severe or recurrent depression * Experienced a major life event in the past 3 months, or foresee one occurring in the next 3 months (e.g. trauma, grief, loss of role, major health issue, financial crisis) * Continued AD use indicated for other condition (e.g. anxiety) * Currently prescribed a non-SSRI/SNRI AD, antipsychotic, or mood stabiliser * No internet access. Exclusion Criteria: Those currently experiencing a major life event in the next 3 months Currently using ADs for any other health condition (other than depression) Currently using non-SSRI or SNRI ADs, antipsychotics, or other mood stabiliser medication Have no daily access to the internet
Where this trial is running
Melbourne
- Social Media — Melbourne, Australia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jane Gunn, PhD — University of Melbourne
- Study coordinator: Amy Coe
- Email: amy.coe@unimelb.edu.au
- Phone: 61390356335
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.