US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Pushes to Reduce Antidepressant Prescriptions

Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a directive urging physicians to cut antidepressant prescriptions for depression, especially in children, and to prioritize diet, social interaction, psychotherapy and exercise as first-line options. Kennedy framed the move as decisive action against a mental-health crisis.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appointed HHS secretary by former President Donald Trump, has repeatedly challenged mainstream medical consensus, from vaccine-autism claims to reshaping the food pyramid, and has dismissed the CDC vaccine advisory panel.

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BMJ analysis shows 33.9 % of Americans have taken an antidepressant, while a survey last year reported 17 % current use; the most common agents are SSRIs such as Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft and Escitalopram.

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HHS counselled clinicians to “consider alternatives where possible” but stopped short of bans; the NHS affirmed that antidepressants treat depressive symptoms, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists cited evidence of benefit for moderate-to-severe depression. A Lancet editorial warned that politicisation at the NIH, FDA and CDC threatens US public-health capacity. A HHS spokesperson denied Reuters reports that the agency was considering bans on specific SSRIs.

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Psychiatry scholars argue the plan oversimplifies depression; Joanna Moncrieff called it “not a medical problem” but a life-circumstance issue. Thorrun Govind noted non-pharmacological therapies are usually adjuncts, not replacements, and stressed that any approach must be evidence-based and integrated with medication. Sameer Jauhar stressed antidepressants halve relapse risk, while Niall J.A. Palmer warned the policy ignores psychiatric bed shortages and workforce gaps.

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The 33.9 % lifetime figure conflicts with the 17 % current-use survey; Reuters said HHS explored SSRI bans, a claim the agency denied. The Lancet editorial warned that politicisation of NIH, FDA and CDC could undermine the policy’s scientific basis. Data on low-income access to diet, exercise or therapy are absent.

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• “clear and decisive action to confront our nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the overuse of psychiatric medications – especially among children” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary

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• “It’s not a medical problem, it’s very likely due to your life circumstances,” — Joanna Moncrieff, Professor of Critical and Social Psychiatry, UCL

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• “antidepressants will reduce your risk of relapse by a factor of two” — Sameer Jauhar, Clinical Associate Professor, Imperial College London

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• “The way that Kennedy has drawn up this policy doesn’t account for other factors, such as limited beds for psychiatric care and shortages in the workforce.” — Niall J.A. Palmer, Senior Lecturer in US Politics, Brunel University

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Implementation timelines remain unclear, and the guidance has already drawn criticism from medical professionals. The world will see where US policy ends up regarding antidepressants. Kennedy’s supporters cite an 88 % approval rating among the MAGA base, while critics continue to challenge the policy.

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