Australians coming off antidepressants are relying on social media due to lack of clinical support

About one-in-seven Australians are on antidepressants and new research shows many coming off the drugs are turning to social media for support. Photograph: SDI Productions/Getty Images

Patients weaning themselves off antidepressants are turning to online support groups due to a lack of information and support, with a new study finding Facebook and other platforms are filling a gap left by clinicians.

Approximately one in seven Australians take antidepressants, which are the most commonly dispensed medications.