Pubdate: Sat, 19 May 2007 Source: Press, The (New Zealand) Copyright: 2007 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd. Contact: http://www.press.co.nz/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/349 DRUG STUDY REVEALS ANTIDEPRESSANT USE Cantabrians are more than twice as likely to be taking antidepressants than residents of Counties-Manukau, one of New Zealand's more deprived areas. A Health Ministry study made public yesterday finds "significant regional differences" in antidepressant prescription rates. The study says there are several possible explanations for those differences - including underlying rates of depression, demographic factors such as age, and socioeconomic deprivation. But there is no significant difference regionally between the percentage of people using mental health services, it says. "The most likely explanation for the observed differences is that they reflect actual differences in clinical treatment practices between DHBs." Study author John Wren said the findings raised questions about what should be regarded as the optimal level of prescribing. College of GPs president Jonathan Fox said factors affecting prescription rates were complex. Lower access to psychiatrists in a particular region could mean GPs were more likely to prescribe antidepressants. "I think all of us as GPs are aware that prescribing antidepressants is quite a serious thing and you need to think carefully before prescribing." Particular care needed to be taken with children and adolescents, he said. Between 1997 and 2005, prescriptions for a course of antidepressants almost doubled from 1.1 million to 2.1 million, the study says. It examines the use of a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They are now the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in New Zealand and include well-known drugs Prozac, Norpress and Aropax. They are thought to be safer for treating depression because the drugs themselves cannot be easily used for suicide, unlike some other types of antidepressants. The study finds a link between increased prescribing of the drugs and increased hospitalisations for self-harm. However, the risk is "very small". Their use appeared to be linked with fewer suicide deaths. Green Party MP Sue Kedgley said the study demonstrated the need for increased funding for counselling services throughout New Zealand. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek