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Male GPs are far more likely to prescribe antidepressants
Jul 22, 2005, 16:40, Reviewed by: Dr.
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The evidence we have strongly suggests that while people think that exercise is effective in treating depression, and have even used it to manage their depression, GPs still aren't offering it to patients as much as antidepressants and counselling. This indicates that we need to change the attitudes and prescribing behaviours of GPs, and educate them about the effectiveness of exercise referral and other non-medical treatments so that patients are given more choice.
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By Mental Health Foundation,
Research by the Mental Health Foundation today revealed that male GPs are far more likely to prescribe antidepressants as a first treatment response to patients with mild or moderate depression than female GPs (61 per cent, compared to 37 per cent), and are twice as likely to think them effective (43 per cent, compared to 17 per cent).
Female GPs are much more likely to believe that counselling is the most effective response (70 per cent, compared to 47 per cent of male GPs). However, female GPs are not much more likely to refer patients to it (39 per cent, compared to 26 per cent of male GPs), perhaps due to lack of availability and long waiting lists.
The Mental Health Foundation commissioned the NOP poll of 200 GPs as part of its Up and Running? Campaign, which aims to increase the use of exercise-on-prescription as a treatment for mild and moderate depression. The charity is committed to developing the use of non-medical ways of promoting good mental health and helping people with mental health problems recover.
To obtain the views of patients, the charity also questioned 180 people with experience of depression about their strategies for coping. Two-thirds of those questioned had tried exercise as a strategy, and 81 per cent of these said it was effective. However, when patients presented symptoms of depression to their GPs, 60 per cent were offered antidepressants, 42 per cent were offered counselling, and only 2 per cent were offered exercise on prescription. Yet, for those who had tried antidepressants, half (50 per cent) said that the side effects had been troubling.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said:
"The evidence we have strongly suggests that while people think that exercise is effective in treating depression, and have even used it to manage their depression, GPs still aren't offering it to patients as much as antidepressants and counselling. This indicates that we need to change the attitudes and prescribing behaviours of GPs, and educate them about the effectiveness of exercise referral and other non-medical treatments so that patients are given more choice.
It is difficult to imagine patients with a physical health condition as common as depression facing so much of a lottery when they seek help. GPs' knowledge and beliefs, coupled with a chronic shortage of any choice of treatments in many areas, means that people presenting with mental health problems face an obstacle course in finding a treatment that will work for them." 
- Mental Health Foundation
http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
The Mental Health Foundation has written two information booklets about exercise and depression for patients, and GPs and healthcare practitioners. Both are available to download from www.mentalhealth.org.uk or can be ordered in bulk by calling 020 7803 1100.
� 'How exercise can help beat depression' for patients
� 'Exercise referral and the treatment of mild or moderate depression' for GPs and healthcare practitioners
This work is part of a year-long campaign by the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness about the effectiveness of exercise in preventing and treating mild to moderate mental health problems including depression and anxiety. To read more about the campaign, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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