Work

A preliminary study to examine the adequacy of long-term treatment of depression and the extent of recovery in general practice.

Year: 1997

Type: article

Abstract: About 1% of patients in general practice take antidepressants for long periods. Many receive repeat prescriptions, without review. It might be assumed that these patients are well and are on adequate maintenance treatment. Our findings refute this assumption; of 78 patients on long-term repeats, only a third were in remission and a fifth had Beck Depression Inventory scores suggesting persisting syndromal major depression. Subtherapeutic dosing of classic tricyclics was the norm rather than the exception. Patients on long term antidepressant treatment need regular review and adequate treatment to ensure remission is maintained.

Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)

Authors: C J Hawley, S J Quick, M J Harding, H Pattinson, T Sivakumaran

Institution: Queen Elizabeth II Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Treatment of Major Depression

Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W1001947261

FWCI: 1.219

Cites: 5

Cited by: 9

Related to: 10