The new science ending the ‘terror and panic’ of coming off long-term antidepressant use

Anna King was told that coming off antidepressants could be done over 10 days – but that advice led to devastating withdrawal symptoms. Photograph: Rémi Chauvin/The Guardian

In 2006, Anna King was involved in family court proceedings that caused severe stress and trauma. When she was prescribed antidepressants to help her cope, she was initially unsure.

“I was hesitant about taking an antidepressant and sought information from my psychiatrist about their safety,” she says. “I was told that they were safe and could be stopped at any time.”