GPs not giving depression sufferers enough choices
GPs are failing to let those suffering with depression know about all the treatment options available to them according to a new study, reports The Independent.
The study carried out by the Depression Alliance, entitled Daring To Choose, surveyed 513 people diagnosed with depression, and revealed that only a third had been told there were other treatment options besides anti-depressants.
There is now pressure on the Government to make sure GPs are informing patients about self-help groups and psychological treatments, as well as anti-depressants. 70% of those surveyed felt that had not been given enough information about the possible side-effects of taking anti-depressants.
The Government has already invested £173m to be used over the next three years to help improve psychological therapies.
The chief executive of Depression Alliance, Emer O’Neill, said: “Choice is not a reality for most people with depression and anxiety. While there are some excellent GPs and some well-informed patients, there are huge numbers of people who are sinking because they are brushed off, not taken seriously and walk away from the doctor empty-handed apart from a prescription.”
May 3rd, 2011 at 8:29 pm
This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Throwing money at the problem doesn’t change the quality of care it’s citizens are receiving. GP’s need to be sure to explain all treatment options to their patients.