• R A Lawrenson, F Tyrer, R B Newson, and R D Farmer.
• European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey GU2 5RF, Guildford, UK. r.lawrenson@surrey.ac.uk
• J Affect Disord. 2000 Aug 1;59(2):149-57.

BackgroundAntidepressants are commonly prescribed by general practitioners as treatment for depression. Controversy exists as to the effectiveness in everyday use of the older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) when compared to the newer selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).AimTo investigate the patterns of current prescribing of antidepressants for the treatment of depression and compare TCAs with the newer SSRIs.MethodThe study population was patients attending 151 computerised general practices from throughout the United Kingdom between 1991 and 1996. Patients with new prescriptions for antidepressants and a diagnosis of depression were identified. Age and gender distributions, prescribed doses and drop-out rates were investigated.ResultsDuring the study period 9.8% of patients received a prescription for an antidepressant, there was a 40% increase in the prescribing rate of TCAs and a 460% increase in SSRI prescribing. TCAs were initially prescribed in sub-therapeutic doses. More than 50% of patients ceased taking their antidepressants within 6 weeks of starting treatment. Fluoxetine and paroxetine were more likely to be prescribed for a therapeutic period than were other antidepressants.ConclusionsGeneral practitioners should prescribe a therapeutic dose of antidepressant for a recognised therapeutic period to ensure that patients with depression receive the most effective treatment.

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