Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Abstract

This chapter summarizes and emphasizes the key elements of deprescribing, including developing and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance, open communication, shared decision making, and a tolerance of uncertainty. The chapter also discusses future directions for research, such as receptor neuroimaging to investigate psychotropic withdrawal syndromes and the consolidation of patient narratives of medication discontinuation. Recommendations for integrating deprescribing into clinical practice, such as the development of tools and algorithms, reminders in electronic health records, and the setting up of “deprescribing clinics” or deprescribing consultation services are also discussed. Finally, the authors provide suggestions for the training of medical students, psychiatry residents, and other prescribers in the process of deprescribing.