40% on anti-depressants in west Belfast

[Guest guest]

40% on anti-depressants

But new study finds many pills have no effect on patients

By Ciarán

Up to 40 per cent of adults in some parts of West Belfast are

popping `happy' pills to cope with depression.

Areas like Ballymurphy and the lower Falls are the worst hit, with

many now addicted to strong medicines.

News of the frightening addiction levels came on the same day a study

found that anti-depressants have little clinical effect on patients.

The University of Hull study tested popular drugs like Prozac and

Seroxat.

Thousands of West Belfast residents are prescribed these drugs to

combat depression.

Although they are packaged as being `non-addictive', many users find

it impossible to get through the day without popping at least one

pill.

Under new health reforms based on the University of Hull findings,

anti-depressant users could be stripped off their drugs and made to

undergo therapy treatment instead.

This would present doctors with a nightmare scenario, as many of

their patients would find it impossible to get through the day

without a Prozac or Seroxat fix.

Leading West Belfast pharmacist Terry Maguire said the study would

have huge implications in West Belfast.

However, he cautioned against taking its findings as verbatim,

insisting more tests need to be done.

Terry said: " Every healthcare professional needs to look closely at

the details of the study. More consideration needs to be given

because it could have huge implications. "

A senior medical source expanded on this, revealing that up to 40 per

cent of people in the poorest parts of West Belfast are on anti-

depressants.

" It would create huge difficulties if doctors all of a sudden stopped

prescribing these pills, " said one healthcare professional.

" Patients who are on them, many of whom are addicted to them, would

not know what to do. They just wouldn't be able to get their day in.

Look at Ballymurphy and the lower Falls, I'd say 40 per cent of

adults are taking some type of anti-depressant. "

The medical source explained that doctors prefer prescribing Prozac

and Seroxat because they are not classed as addictive drugs.

" It's easier for a doctor to give someone Prozac than epam

because it's not classed as addictive, " he added.

" But there are thousands of people who aren't really depressed taking

the drug. They've been prescribed it because of a fear in doctors

that the patient might do something drastic if they don't get what

they are asking for.

" Then when the patient comes off Prozac they start to feel low so the

doctor has no choice but to prescribe it again. It's a vicious circle

that needs to be examined quite urgently. "

29/02/2008

[Guest guest]

40% on anti-depressants

But new study finds many pills have no effect on patients

By Ciarán

Up to 40 per cent of adults in some parts of West Belfast are

popping `happy' pills to cope with depression.

Areas like Ballymurphy and the lower Falls are the worst hit, with

many now addicted to strong medicines.

News of the frightening addiction levels came on the same day a study

found that anti-depressants have little clinical effect on patients.

The University of Hull study tested popular drugs like Prozac and

Seroxat.

Thousands of West Belfast residents are prescribed these drugs to

combat depression.

Although they are packaged as being `non-addictive', many users find

it impossible to get through the day without popping at least one

pill.

Under new health reforms based on the University of Hull findings,

anti-depressant users could be stripped off their drugs and made to

undergo therapy treatment instead.

This would present doctors with a nightmare scenario, as many of

their patients would find it impossible to get through the day

without a Prozac or Seroxat fix.

Leading West Belfast pharmacist Terry Maguire said the study would

have huge implications in West Belfast.

However, he cautioned against taking its findings as verbatim,

insisting more tests need to be done.

Terry said: " Every healthcare professional needs to look closely at

the details of the study. More consideration needs to be given

because it could have huge implications. "

A senior medical source expanded on this, revealing that up to 40 per

cent of people in the poorest parts of West Belfast are on anti-

depressants.

" It would create huge difficulties if doctors all of a sudden stopped

prescribing these pills, " said one healthcare professional.

" Patients who are on them, many of whom are addicted to them, would

not know what to do. They just wouldn't be able to get their day in.

Look at Ballymurphy and the lower Falls, I'd say 40 per cent of

adults are taking some type of anti-depressant. "

The medical source explained that doctors prefer prescribing Prozac

and Seroxat because they are not classed as addictive drugs.

" It's easier for a doctor to give someone Prozac than epam

because it's not classed as addictive, " he added.

" But there are thousands of people who aren't really depressed taking

the drug. They've been prescribed it because of a fear in doctors

that the patient might do something drastic if they don't get what

they are asking for.

" Then when the patient comes off Prozac they start to feel low so the

doctor has no choice but to prescribe it again. It's a vicious circle

that needs to be examined quite urgently. "

29/02/2008

[Guest guest]

40% on anti-depressants

But new study finds many pills have no effect on patients

By Ciarán

Up to 40 per cent of adults in some parts of West Belfast are

popping `happy' pills to cope with depression.

Areas like Ballymurphy and the lower Falls are the worst hit, with

many now addicted to strong medicines.

News of the frightening addiction levels came on the same day a study

found that anti-depressants have little clinical effect on patients.

The University of Hull study tested popular drugs like Prozac and

Seroxat.

Thousands of West Belfast residents are prescribed these drugs to

combat depression.

Although they are packaged as being `non-addictive', many users find

it impossible to get through the day without popping at least one

pill.

Under new health reforms based on the University of Hull findings,

anti-depressant users could be stripped off their drugs and made to

undergo therapy treatment instead.

This would present doctors with a nightmare scenario, as many of

their patients would find it impossible to get through the day

without a Prozac or Seroxat fix.

Leading West Belfast pharmacist Terry Maguire said the study would

have huge implications in West Belfast.

However, he cautioned against taking its findings as verbatim,

insisting more tests need to be done.

Terry said: " Every healthcare professional needs to look closely at

the details of the study. More consideration needs to be given

because it could have huge implications. "

A senior medical source expanded on this, revealing that up to 40 per

cent of people in the poorest parts of West Belfast are on anti-

depressants.

" It would create huge difficulties if doctors all of a sudden stopped

prescribing these pills, " said one healthcare professional.

" Patients who are on them, many of whom are addicted to them, would

not know what to do. They just wouldn't be able to get their day in.

Look at Ballymurphy and the lower Falls, I'd say 40 per cent of

adults are taking some type of anti-depressant. "

The medical source explained that doctors prefer prescribing Prozac

and Seroxat because they are not classed as addictive drugs.

" It's easier for a doctor to give someone Prozac than epam

because it's not classed as addictive, " he added.

" But there are thousands of people who aren't really depressed taking

the drug. They've been prescribed it because of a fear in doctors

that the patient might do something drastic if they don't get what

they are asking for.

" Then when the patient comes off Prozac they start to feel low so the

doctor has no choice but to prescribe it again. It's a vicious circle

that needs to be examined quite urgently. "

29/02/2008

[Guest guest]

40% on anti-depressants

But new study finds many pills have no effect on patients

By Ciarán

Up to 40 per cent of adults in some parts of West Belfast are

popping `happy' pills to cope with depression.

Areas like Ballymurphy and the lower Falls are the worst hit, with

many now addicted to strong medicines.

News of the frightening addiction levels came on the same day a study

found that anti-depressants have little clinical effect on patients.

The University of Hull study tested popular drugs like Prozac and

Seroxat.

Thousands of West Belfast residents are prescribed these drugs to

combat depression.

Although they are packaged as being `non-addictive', many users find

it impossible to get through the day without popping at least one

pill.

Under new health reforms based on the University of Hull findings,

anti-depressant users could be stripped off their drugs and made to

undergo therapy treatment instead.

This would present doctors with a nightmare scenario, as many of

their patients would find it impossible to get through the day

without a Prozac or Seroxat fix.

Leading West Belfast pharmacist Terry Maguire said the study would

have huge implications in West Belfast.

However, he cautioned against taking its findings as verbatim,

insisting more tests need to be done.

Terry said: " Every healthcare professional needs to look closely at

the details of the study. More consideration needs to be given

because it could have huge implications. "

A senior medical source expanded on this, revealing that up to 40 per

cent of people in the poorest parts of West Belfast are on anti-

depressants.

" It would create huge difficulties if doctors all of a sudden stopped

prescribing these pills, " said one healthcare professional.

" Patients who are on them, many of whom are addicted to them, would

not know what to do. They just wouldn't be able to get their day in.

Look at Ballymurphy and the lower Falls, I'd say 40 per cent of

adults are taking some type of anti-depressant. "

The medical source explained that doctors prefer prescribing Prozac

and Seroxat because they are not classed as addictive drugs.

" It's easier for a doctor to give someone Prozac than epam

because it's not classed as addictive, " he added.

" But there are thousands of people who aren't really depressed taking

the drug. They've been prescribed it because of a fear in doctors

that the patient might do something drastic if they don't get what

they are asking for.

" Then when the patient comes off Prozac they start to feel low so the

doctor has no choice but to prescribe it again. It's a vicious circle

that needs to be examined quite urgently. "

29/02/2008

[Guest guest]

This is written so well I could mistake it for poetry.

If you watch the press through Google for this University

of Hull study you might notice that the United States version

of the story is much more low-key and is not in every paper

but the press is damning antidepressants in the Commonwealth.

I love it.

40% on anti-depressants

But new study finds many pills have no effect on patients

By Ciarán

Up to 40 per cent of adults in some parts of West Belfast are

popping `happy' pills to cope with depression.

Areas like Ballymurphy and the lower Falls are the worst hit, with

many now addicted to strong medicines.

News of the frightening addiction levels came on the same day a study

found that anti-depressants have little clinical effect on patients.

The University of Hull study tested popular drugs like Prozac and

Seroxat.

Thousands of West Belfast residents are prescribed these drugs to

combat depression.

Although they are packaged as being `non-addictive', many users find

it impossible to get through the day without popping at least one

pill.

Under new health reforms based on the University of Hull findings,

anti-depressant users could be stripped off their drugs and made to

undergo therapy treatment instead.

This would present doctors with a nightmare scenario, as many of

their patients would find it impossible to get through the day

without a Prozac or Seroxat fix.

Leading West Belfast pharmacist Terry Maguire said the study would

have huge implications in West Belfast.

However, he cautioned against taking its findings as verbatim,

insisting more tests need to be done.

Terry said: " Every healthcare professional needs to look closely at

the details of the study. More consideration needs to be given

because it could have huge implications. "

A senior medical source expanded on this, revealing that up to 40 per

cent of people in the poorest parts of West Belfast are on anti-

depressants.

" It would create huge difficulties if doctors all of a sudden stopped

prescribing these pills, " said one healthcare professional.

" Patients who are on them, many of whom are addicted to them, would

not know what to do. They just wouldn't be able to get their day in.

Look at Ballymurphy and the lower Falls, I'd say 40 per cent of

adults are taking some type of anti-depressant. "

The medical source explained that doctors prefer prescribing Prozac

and Seroxat because they are not classed as addictive drugs.

" It's easier for a doctor to give someone Prozac than epam

because it's not classed as addictive, " he added.

" But there are thousands of people who aren't really depressed taking

the drug. They've been prescribed it because of a fear in doctors

that the patient might do something drastic if they don't get what

they are asking for.

" Then when the patient comes off Prozac they start to feel low so the

doctor has no choice but to prescribe it again. It's a vicious circle

that needs to be examined quite urgently. "

29/02/2008

[Guest guest]

This is written so well I could mistake it for poetry.

If you watch the press through Google for this University

of Hull study you might notice that the United States version

of the story is much more low-key and is not in every paper

but the press is damning antidepressants in the Commonwealth.

I love it.

40% on anti-depressants

But new study finds many pills have no effect on patients

By Ciarán

Up to 40 per cent of adults in some parts of West Belfast are

popping `happy' pills to cope with depression.

Areas like Ballymurphy and the lower Falls are the worst hit, with

many now addicted to strong medicines.

News of the frightening addiction levels came on the same day a study

found that anti-depressants have little clinical effect on patients.

The University of Hull study tested popular drugs like Prozac and

Seroxat.

Thousands of West Belfast residents are prescribed these drugs to

combat depression.

Although they are packaged as being `non-addictive', many users find

it impossible to get through the day without popping at least one

pill.

Under new health reforms based on the University of Hull findings,

anti-depressant users could be stripped off their drugs and made to

undergo therapy treatment instead.

This would present doctors with a nightmare scenario, as many of

their patients would find it impossible to get through the day

without a Prozac or Seroxat fix.

Leading West Belfast pharmacist Terry Maguire said the study would

have huge implications in West Belfast.

However, he cautioned against taking its findings as verbatim,

insisting more tests need to be done.

Terry said: " Every healthcare professional needs to look closely at

the details of the study. More consideration needs to be given

because it could have huge implications. "

A senior medical source expanded on this, revealing that up to 40 per

cent of people in the poorest parts of West Belfast are on anti-

depressants.

" It would create huge difficulties if doctors all of a sudden stopped

prescribing these pills, " said one healthcare professional.

" Patients who are on them, many of whom are addicted to them, would

not know what to do. They just wouldn't be able to get their day in.

Look at Ballymurphy and the lower Falls, I'd say 40 per cent of

adults are taking some type of anti-depressant. "

The medical source explained that doctors prefer prescribing Prozac

and Seroxat because they are not classed as addictive drugs.

" It's easier for a doctor to give someone Prozac than epam

because it's not classed as addictive, " he added.

" But there are thousands of people who aren't really depressed taking

the drug. They've been prescribed it because of a fear in doctors

that the patient might do something drastic if they don't get what

they are asking for.

" Then when the patient comes off Prozac they start to feel low so the

doctor has no choice but to prescribe it again. It's a vicious circle

that needs to be examined quite urgently. "

29/02/2008

[Guest guest]

This is written so well I could mistake it for poetry.

If you watch the press through Google for this University

of Hull study you might notice that the United States version

of the story is much more low-key and is not in every paper

but the press is damning antidepressants in the Commonwealth.

I love it.

40% on anti-depressants

But new study finds many pills have no effect on patients

By Ciarán

Up to 40 per cent of adults in some parts of West Belfast are

popping `happy' pills to cope with depression.

Areas like Ballymurphy and the lower Falls are the worst hit, with

many now addicted to strong medicines.

News of the frightening addiction levels came on the same day a study

found that anti-depressants have little clinical effect on patients.

The University of Hull study tested popular drugs like Prozac and

Seroxat.

Thousands of West Belfast residents are prescribed these drugs to

combat depression.

Although they are packaged as being `non-addictive', many users find

it impossible to get through the day without popping at least one

pill.

Under new health reforms based on the University of Hull findings,

anti-depressant users could be stripped off their drugs and made to

undergo therapy treatment instead.

This would present doctors with a nightmare scenario, as many of

their patients would find it impossible to get through the day

without a Prozac or Seroxat fix.

Leading West Belfast pharmacist Terry Maguire said the study would

have huge implications in West Belfast.

However, he cautioned against taking its findings as verbatim,

insisting more tests need to be done.

Terry said: " Every healthcare professional needs to look closely at

the details of the study. More consideration needs to be given

because it could have huge implications. "

A senior medical source expanded on this, revealing that up to 40 per

cent of people in the poorest parts of West Belfast are on anti-

depressants.

" It would create huge difficulties if doctors all of a sudden stopped

prescribing these pills, " said one healthcare professional.

" Patients who are on them, many of whom are addicted to them, would

not know what to do. They just wouldn't be able to get their day in.

Look at Ballymurphy and the lower Falls, I'd say 40 per cent of

adults are taking some type of anti-depressant. "

The medical source explained that doctors prefer prescribing Prozac

and Seroxat because they are not classed as addictive drugs.

" It's easier for a doctor to give someone Prozac than epam

because it's not classed as addictive, " he added.

" But there are thousands of people who aren't really depressed taking

the drug. They've been prescribed it because of a fear in doctors

that the patient might do something drastic if they don't get what

they are asking for.

" Then when the patient comes off Prozac they start to feel low so the

doctor has no choice but to prescribe it again. It's a vicious circle

that needs to be examined quite urgently. "

29/02/2008

[Guest guest]

This is written so well I could mistake it for poetry.

If you watch the press through Google for this University

of Hull study you might notice that the United States version

of the story is much more low-key and is not in every paper

but the press is damning antidepressants in the Commonwealth.

I love it.

40% on anti-depressants

But new study finds many pills have no effect on patients

By Ciarán

Up to 40 per cent of adults in some parts of West Belfast are

popping `happy' pills to cope with depression.

Areas like Ballymurphy and the lower Falls are the worst hit, with

many now addicted to strong medicines.

News of the frightening addiction levels came on the same day a study

found that anti-depressants have little clinical effect on patients.

The University of Hull study tested popular drugs like Prozac and

Seroxat.

Thousands of West Belfast residents are prescribed these drugs to

combat depression.

Although they are packaged as being `non-addictive', many users find

it impossible to get through the day without popping at least one

pill.

Under new health reforms based on the University of Hull findings,

anti-depressant users could be stripped off their drugs and made to

undergo therapy treatment instead.

This would present doctors with a nightmare scenario, as many of

their patients would find it impossible to get through the day

without a Prozac or Seroxat fix.

Leading West Belfast pharmacist Terry Maguire said the study would

have huge implications in West Belfast.

However, he cautioned against taking its findings as verbatim,

insisting more tests need to be done.

Terry said: " Every healthcare professional needs to look closely at

the details of the study. More consideration needs to be given

because it could have huge implications. "

A senior medical source expanded on this, revealing that up to 40 per

cent of people in the poorest parts of West Belfast are on anti-

depressants.

" It would create huge difficulties if doctors all of a sudden stopped

prescribing these pills, " said one healthcare professional.

" Patients who are on them, many of whom are addicted to them, would

not know what to do. They just wouldn't be able to get their day in.

Look at Ballymurphy and the lower Falls, I'd say 40 per cent of

adults are taking some type of anti-depressant. "

The medical source explained that doctors prefer prescribing Prozac

and Seroxat because they are not classed as addictive drugs.

" It's easier for a doctor to give someone Prozac than epam

because it's not classed as addictive, " he added.

" But there are thousands of people who aren't really depressed taking

the drug. They've been prescribed it because of a fear in doctors

that the patient might do something drastic if they don't get what

they are asking for.

" Then when the patient comes off Prozac they start to feel low so the

doctor has no choice but to prescribe it again. It's a vicious circle

that needs to be examined quite urgently. "

29/02/2008