Anti-depressant prescription call

The level of anti-depressant prescription has caused concern

A 44% rise in prescribing anti-depressants in the Borders over the past five years has prompted a call to look at alternative treatments.

SNP MSP Christine Grahame warned the increase - the highest in Scotland - looked like a "quick fix" solution.

NHS Borders said the rise in figures was down to GPs prescribing for shorter time periods than in other regions.

It accepted that work needs to be done to cut waiting times for patients seeking psychological therapy services.

Scottish Executive figures between 2000 and 2005 show a 44% rise in anti-depressants prescribed in the Borders compared to a national average of 24%.

Ms Grahame questioned why the figures were so high and what alternative treatments were being used.

This waiting list situation will simply compound the growing issue of prescribing anti-depressants to people in the Borders Christine Grahame SNP MSP

"There has been recent debate that the prescribing of anti-depressants has become the quick fix solution for dealing with people faced with the growing problem of depression," she said.

She also expressed concern that the majority of people seeking psychological help were still waiting for an appointment after 13 weeks.

"This waiting list situation will simply compound the growing issue of prescribing anti-depressants to people in the Borders," she said.

NHS Borders said the rise in rates was down to prescriptions being issued for 28 rather than 56-day periods.

It said that meant twice as many prescriptions for the same amount of drugs.

That is because GPs want to monitor patients' reactions over a shorter time.

Work required

In the field of alternative therapies a pilot self-help coaching service is being rolled out and screening is also being stepped up.

NHS Borders recognised there was work required to improve psychological services' waiting times.

Patients can now choose their slot - cutting down on missed appointments.

Figures for February 2006 show that for those who received an appointment, 36% were seen within the first 13 weeks of referral.

Staffing and recruitment difficulties mean that is unlikely to reduce much further.