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Analysis Too Much Medicine

Medicalising unhappiness: new classification of depression risks more patients being put on drug treatment from which they will not benefit

BMJ 2013; 347 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f7140 (Published 09 December 2013) Cite this as: BMJ 2013;347:f7140

Rapid Response:

Re: Medicalising unhappiness: new classification of depression risks more patients being put on drug treatment from which they will not benefit

The elephant in the room of British primary care is time. Forty years ago the booked length of a GP consultation was 10 minutes, and that has not changed. However, it takes very little time to prescribe antidepressants, but 20 to discuss a patient's issues, identify some elements of self-help that might be useful, and signpost him or her to the local psychological service. At a time when society is becoming harsher towards the most vulnerable, GPs need to be given the time to help properly patients with stress and distress, or more doctors will be tempted to prescribe antidepressants because that feels better than doing nothing.

Competing interests: No competing interests

19 December 2013
Michael Peel
GP
Hurley Clinic
Kennington Lane, London, SE11 4HJ