Too many anti-depressants fear

Press Association
Tuesday March 30, 2004 6:48 am

More than three-quarters of GPs admit to over-prescribing anti-depressants such as Prozac, a report has revealed.

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 to help with milder conditions were not available in their area.

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

A quarter (26%) 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 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 the benefits outweighed the risks.

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