GPs 'forced' to prescribe too many drugs to the depressed

Published on Tuesday 30 March 2004 01:00

MORE than three-quarters of GPs admit to over-prescribing anti-depressants such as Prozac.

In many cases, doctors said they were forced to prescribe the drugs to patients with depression, anxiety and stress because other therapies and social care were not available.

And 72 per cent of GPs said they prescribed more anti-depressants now than they did five years ago.

A quarter (26 per cent) of doctors said that making psychological therapies more widely available was one of the most pressing priorities for the NHS.

The research, by independent medical research specialists Dr Foster, was commissioned by Norwich Union Healthcare.

It follows growing concerns about the long-term side-effects of anti-depressant drugs, particularly when taken by children, and fears they may make some patients suicidal.

Last year the Department of Health at Westminster said the majority of the most commonly prescribed type of anti-depressants - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - should not be given to people under 18.

Only one SSRI - Prozac - was recommended to be prescribed to youngsters as it was found that benefits outweighed risks.

The latest study found that 81 per cent of the 250 GPs questioned openly admitted to over-prescribing antidepressants like Prozac and Seroxat.

Depression is thought to affect one in five people at some stage in their life, with many expecting their doctor to prescribe antidepressants.

Jim Thomson, the chief executive of the charity Depression Alliance, said: "Anti-depressants are a valuable form of treatment for many people affected by depression.

"But these medicines work best in combination with other therapies - therapies that are largely unavailable in many areas, forcing GPs to prescribe in isolation of them.

"We want people to be aware of the many alternative types of treatment available."