A Descriptive Study of Antidepressant Prescribing In a Semi-Rural Practice

Aims Mental health conditions are increasingly encountered in general practice. The aim of this study was to review the antidepressant prescribing of this practice. Methods Health One analysis was used to search for patients prescribed antidepressants in the last 6 months and to generate a list of their antidepressant prescriptions over the last three years. Charts were reviewed to determine if these patients were reviewed by a GP in the last 6 months, and by psychiatry in the last year. Results Six hundred and two patients (7% of the practice adult population) were prescribed antidepressants in the last 6 months. Fifty-four percent (n=324) of patients have been on antidepressants for three years or more. Escitalopram was most frequently prescribed. 89% (n=535) were reviewed by a GP in the last 6 months, and 21% (n=127) were reviewed by psychiatry services in the last year. Discussion The majority of patients with mental health problems are being managed in primary care.