According to recent in-depth research involving 116,000 patients, into the use of anti-depressant drugs, carried out at prestigious Oxford University; came out with surprising result that not many Pundits expected.
It is general but erroneous belief that GPs over-prescribe such drugs that also include anti-biotics, pain-killers, cough mixtures and vitamin tablets, to keep patients happy, maintain cordial relations, avoid corrosion of trust.
This also saves GPs valuable time rather than going into discussion to explain pros and cons of overuse of drugs that may not go down well with some awkward patients.
This is especially true with anti-biotics. Research involved 21 drugs, result was that it works wonders in tackling depression, although some drugs are more effective than others, in fact 113% more effective to tackle depression than no drugs at all.
Although prescriptions have more than doubled since 2016, only one in six patients get the prescription they need, according to Professor who heads Oxford’s Psychiatry Department.
Many other leading Psychiatrists agree with the finding and hope this will lead to more patients receiving the right treatment they need and deserve which will be cost effective in the long run.
Perhaps this research may also help GPs, give them freedom to prescribe these and other similar drugs, as NHS is putting undue pressure on GPs to cut down wastage and apparent over use of such drugs.
No doubt there is misuse and wastage of drugs but that is more due to patients’ unreasonable demands for common drugs like pain-killers that they can buy over the counter at fraction of a price compared to what NHS pays, most may go to waste.
I understand NHS is considering removing most common over the counter available drugs from prescription list which may be the step in the right direction.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
