Explaining the rise in antidepressant prescribing: a descriptive study using the general practice research database

摘要: Objective To explore the reasons behind recent increase in antidepressant prescribing United Kingdom. Design Detailed retrospective analysis of data on general practitioner consultations and prescribing. Data source were obtained from practice research database, which contains linked anonymised records over 3 million patients registered UK. extracted for all new incident cases depression between 1993 2005. Review methods was restricted to 170 practices that contributing full duration study. Results In total, 189 851 people within database experienced their first episode 2005, whom 150 825 (79.4%) received a prescription antidepressants year diagnosis. This proportion remained stable across years examined. The incidence rose young women but fell slightly other groups such overall increased then declined (men: 7.83 per 1000 patient 5.97 women: 15.83 10.06 2005). Antidepressant nearly doubled during study period—the average number prescriptions issued 2.8 5.6 2004. majority given as long term treatment or intermittent with multiple episodes depression. Conclusions rise is mainly explained by small changes receiving treatment. Previous clinical guidelines have focused initiation appropriate targeting antidepressants. address costly prescribing, future guidance needs concentrate regular review medication.