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BioPsychoSocial Medicine
Published in: BioPsychoSocial Medicine 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Why do general practitioners prescribe antidepressants to their patients? A pilot study

Authors: Alain Mercier, Isabelle Auger-Aubin, Jean-Pierre Lebeau, Matthieu Schuers, Pascal Boulet, Paul Van Royen, Lieve Peremans

Published in: BioPsychoSocial Medicine | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

The frequency of antidepressant (ADs) prescription is high, with general practitioners (GPs) responsible for about 80% of the prescriptions. Some studies considered prescriptions meet DSM criteria, while others stress inadequate use. The importance of biological and psychosocial determinants of GP prescription behaviour remains little explored. We aimed to describe the importance of these biological and psychosocial determinants and their weight in the daily practice of GPs’.

Methods

During a week chosen at random, 28 GPs collected the AD prescriptions made within the previous six months, regardless of the reason for the patient contact. Bio psychosocial and AD treatment characteristics were recorded for all patients. In a random sample of 50 patients, patient characteristics were assessed via a structured face-to-face interview with the GP.

Results

The frequency of AD prescription was 8.90% [3.94 -17.02]. The GPs initiated 65.6% [60.1-70.8] of the prescriptions. The rate of AD prescription for non-psychiatric conditions was 18%. Patients had from 1 to 9 conditions, showing a high level of multi-morbidity. There was a strong influence of past medical history and contextual problems, such as work related problems.

Conclusion

AD prescription is related to complex contextual situations and multi-morbid patients. GPs use a bio psycho social approach, rather than a purely biological assessment. Awareness of these influences could improve prescription by GPs.
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Metadata
Title
Why do general practitioners prescribe antidepressants to their patients? A pilot study
Authors
Alain Mercier
Isabelle Auger-Aubin
Jean-Pierre Lebeau
Matthieu Schuers
Pascal Boulet
Paul Van Royen
Lieve Peremans
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BioPsychoSocial Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1751-0759
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0759-8-17

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