Morbidity, deprivation, and antidepressant prescribing in general practice

Background Although the link between depression, unemployment, and measures of deprivation and morbidity has been previously documented the relationsh ip between general practice prescribing of antidepressants, morbidity, and the social demography of general practice populations is poorly understood Aim. To consider whether morbidity and the social demography of general pra ctice populations influence the prescribing costs of individual practices. Method. Data were analysed, using a forward stepwise regression procedure, of all 78 practices served by the Cornwall and isles of Scilly Health Autho rity. Data on prescribing for antidepressants were provided by the Prescrip tion Pricing Authority for the period from July to December 1995 and conver ted into defined daily doses (DDDs) to standardize for the variation in pre scribing practice between general practitioners. Results. A significant positive correlation exists between the rates of pre scribing DDDs elf antidepressants by general practices and the prevalence o f permanent sickness in the areas in which these practices serve. Conclusion. Demonstrating an association between morbidity and prescribing rates for depression may prove helpful in setting prescribing budgets.