Posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 3, 2006, at 8:44:50
Hmmm, well I suppose its good news, I'm glad that its finally being accepted that GPs shouldn't just shove SSRIs at patients (and we all know the success rate if those!)....but on the other hand, couldn't they have put the money into improving the waiting times for counselling instead? I was offered just six sessions of counselling, but I mean, what can be done in that? And, anyway, I'd prefer to have had something like CBT.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~A pilot project for patients with depression in a Scottish town has reduced the number of anti-depressants being prescribed.
The 'Doing Well' scheme in Paisley assesses patients with depression and, where appropriate, suggests exercise or a diet change as an alternative.Patients are often prescribed anti-depressants due to long waiting times for psychological help.
Scotland's use of anti-depressants has risen sharply in the past 10 years.
Under the scheme, nurses and occupational therapists come into the practice, see the patient within a week and encourage them to try self-help techniques such as exercise and a better diet.
The doctors involved in the project say patients are also receiving better care.
Scotland's drugs bill for anti-depressants is 40% higher than England's and it has risen dramatically in the past decade.
There are concerns too many patients are being prescribed anti-depressants when they may not be the best form of treatment.
poster:Meri-Tuuli
thread:615360
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060227/msgs/615360.html