RFK Jr. launches plan to curb ‘overprescribing’ of psychiatric drugs

May 6, 2026 - 03:12

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has rolled out a new federal initiative aimed at curbing what he calls the widespread overprescribing of psychiatric medications, with a particular focus on antidepressants. The plan, announced during a press conference, outlines steps to encourage "deprescribing" -- the gradual reduction or elimination of drugs under medical supervision.

Kennedy argued that millions of Americans are being put on powerful psychiatric drugs without adequate oversight or long-term evaluation of side effects. He cited rising rates of prescriptions for children and young adults as a key concern, calling the trend a public health crisis that has been ignored for too long.

The proposal includes funding for research into alternative treatments, such as nutritional therapy and behavioral interventions. It also calls for updated guidelines for doctors, aiming to reduce the number of patients started on medication as a first-line treatment. Kennedy emphasized that the goal is not to ban psychiatric drugs but to ensure they are used only when truly necessary and with full informed consent.

Critics have pushed back, warning that deprescribing efforts could leave vulnerable patients without needed care. Mental health advocates stress that for many, these medications are life-saving and that any shift in policy must prioritize patient safety and access to treatment. Kennedy's team says the plan will roll out gradually, starting with pilot programs in select federal health systems.