Do GPs and psychiatrists recommend alternatives when prescribing anti-depressants?. (30th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Read, John; Gibson, Kerry; Cartwright, Claire
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 246(2016)
• Page Start: 838
• Page End: 840
• Publication Date: 2016-12-30
• Subjects: Depression -- Antidepressants -- Psychotherapy; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.10.069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: This study explores whether a partial explanation for high antidepressant prescription rates is the failure of prescribers to recommend alternatives. 1829 New Zealand adults were asked which of six non-pharmacological treatment approaches were recommended when prescribed anti-depressants. The majority (82%) received at least one recommendation and 32% received three or more, most commonly 'Counsellor/Psychologist/Psychotherapist' (74%) and Exercise Schedule (43%). It cannot, therefore, be concluded that failing to consider non-pharmacological treatments is a major cause of high prescribing rates. Being younger and more severely depressed were both positively related to number of recommendations. Psychiatrists made significantly more recommendations than GPs. Highlights: 1829 recipients of antidepressants completed an online survey. 82% received at least one recommendation for an alternative treatment. Psychiatrists made significantly more recommendations than GPs.