CIPRAMIL top (antidepressant) in Wales with over 33% of total scripts !

[Guest guest]

A total of 3.5 million prescriptions were issued in Wales in 2010, in a population of three million people.

By contrast in Scotland in the same year, 4.3 million prescriptions were issued among a population of 5.2 million. In England the most recent figures for 2009 there were 39.1 million prescriptions compared to a 52.5 million population

The most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Wales in 2010 was Citalopram, brand name Cipramil, for which there were 1.2 million prescriptions.

There were 575,196 prescriptions for Amitriptyline, brand name Triptafen, and 410,590 for Fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac.

Although not as widely prescribed as other drugs, Prozac is the probably the best known antidepressant. Widely referred to in popular culture, it was included in the title of Wurtzels 1994 memoir Prozac Nation.

>> Welsh take more antidepressants than the rest of the UK> * by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday * Jul 31 2011> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/>> > * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> *> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/">> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> Share * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#>> Comments (2)> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#sitelife-commen\> tsWidget-bottom> Recommend > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#none>> DOCTORS in Wales last year gave out more prescriptions for depression> than there are people in the nation, according to startling new figures.> > Experts fear the current economic climate may be tipping people into a> spiral of depression, while mental health campaigners have warned of the> dangers of GP over-prescribing.> > A total of 3.5 million prescriptions were issued in Wales in 2010, in a> population of three million people.> > By contrast in Scotland in the same year, 4.3 million prescriptions were> issued among a population of 5.2 million. In England the most recent> figures for 2009 there were 39.1 million prescriptions compared to a> 52.5 million population.> > As well as having a higher level of prescriptions relative to> population, Wales has also experienced the biggest increase in> prescriptions in the UK, up nearly 70% in eight years, compared to 61%> in England and 43% in Scotland.> > Charlotte , deputy chair of the General Practitioners Committee> Wales of the British Medical Association, and a GP in Swansea, said: I> suspect its down to an ongoing lack of alternatives like psychological> therapies and also possibly a reflection of a difficult time people are> facing economically.> > All this is combined to more mental health problems and sometimes the> only recourse is to antidepressants.> > More people are coming in with anxiety, depression, stress and there are> lots of factors contributing to that, jobs, worries about financing> their home, worries about long-term prospects.> > The new figures come just days after research by the Family Doctor> Association found four out of five GPs routinely prescribe drugs> including antidepressants, sleeping pills and painkillers to patients> they believe are addicted to them.> > Alun , deputy chief executive of mental health charity Hafal, said> the medicalisation of depression after a bereavement or a major life> change may be part of the problem, with people going to their doctor> asking for a prescription rather than seeking support.> > Many of these prescriptions are not the best option, he told Wales on> Sunday. We do feel after a bereavement, changes in life, thats a given> part of life. What people need is someone to talk to, to put things into> perspective.> > Theres greater expectations on people through social media, work-life> balance. As a society weve fallen into a trap of think something is> depression rather than this is life circumstances.> > Quite often the problem with [people taking antidepressants] is that> people will take those anti-depressants and feel better but when it> comes time to come off them the problem is still there.> > Charities say the high levels of drug treatment may be also be due to a> lack of alternative therapies.> > andra Macmillan, public affairs manager at Gofal, said: People can> wait up to a year or more to access alternatives. I think its important> we get used to mental health in a holistic way. For some people it could> be about medication were not against medication for others [it could be> about] talking therapy, it works very well for many people.> > Theres also exercise on prescription, bibliotherapy [books], its about> having a range of options. Some times what can help the most is sorting> out their house or their job situation.> > Its very difficult when you have a limited amount of time with a GP and> there are waiting lists for other services. It can be hard to drill down> into what the problem might be.> > Mr said GPs the charity has spoken to are under huge pressure,> working in a system that currently leaves even sectioned mental health> patients waiting for talking therapies. He said: If GPs had the option> to prescribe talking therapy where they thought it would help then it> might have the impact of reducing the number of prescriptions which> would pay for it.> > Medication is a quick cheap solution. They want the ability to provide> help for the client but feel an immense pressure to get people treated> and feeling better.> > Over the last 10 years I know weve been talking to GPs saying were not> getting enough time with patients to find out what the problem is.> > Ruth Coombs, from Mind Cymru, said Wales generally has a higher level of> antidepressant prescribing than the rest of the UK, with 2009 figures> showing seven out of the 10 prescribing areas were in Wales, with> Torfaen the highest at 104 prescriptions per 1,000 people.> > She said Wales should consider building on the experiences of the> Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) scheme in England,> which has been running since 2008.> > That scheme has seen 3,660 new cognitive behavioural therapy workers> trained and more than 600,000 people start treatment, with more than> 350,000 people completing it, more than 120,000 moved to recovery and> more than 23,000 coming off sick pay or benefits between October 2008> and March 31, 2011.> > Ms Coombs said: Were in a situation where we can learn from their> experience of IAPT, seeing whats worked and what hasnt.> > Wed like to see a range of talking treatments being made available, not> an emphasis on cognitive behavioural.> > Wed like to see more of that but wed like to see others so people can> access others most appropriate for them.> > People need talking therapy in their language of need, its not about> language of choice its about language of need to articulate yourself,> maybe Welsh. Talking treatment through the medium of Welsh people have> even more problems getting access to that across Wales.> > In its manifesto, Welsh Labour pledged to review access to the range of> talking treatments ahead of this years Assembly election.> > A Welsh Government spokesman said: GPs use their clinical judgement in> determining what course of treatment to prescribe to their patients,> based on their individual needs and medical history.> > Depression can be linked to the presence of chronic physical illness> and, in some areas of Wales, there is a high burden of such conditions.> > There are clear guidelines in place for the use of antidepressant drugs> and GPs are encouraged to consider alternatives to medication, including> referral to a counsellor which is often be provided within the GP> practice.> > Other options that can be offered for mild to moderate depression> include talking therapies, exercise, and self-help books as part of the> Book Prescription Wales Scheme.> > He added: Ultimately, the treatment provided needs to be discussed and> agreed between clinicians and patients, and follow appropriate clinical> guidance such as that provided by NICE.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#ixzz1ThdacBYO> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#ixzz1ThdacBYO>> The most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Wales in 2010 was> Citalopram, brand name Cipramil, for which there were 1.2 million> prescriptions.> > There were 575,196 prescriptions for Amitriptyline, brand name> Triptafen, and 410,590 for Fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac.> > Although not as widely prescribed as other drugs, Prozac is the probably> the best known antidepressant. Widely referred to in popular culture, it> was included in the title of Wurtzels 1994 memoir Prozac> Nation.> > Typical dosage for antidepressants is between one and three doses a day,> depending on the prescription, either as tablets or as a liquid.> > GPs usually start by prescribing the lowest possible dose they think> will be needed to improve the symptoms, and then adjust as needed. Most> prescriptions are for a month to two months at a time, although they may> be shorter or longer depending on what stage treatment is at.> > The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends people on antidepressants> take them for at least six months after they start to feel better, with> people likely to be on them for around eight to nine months.> > It is recommended that people who have had two or more attacks of> depression continue treatment for at least two years.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/2/#ixzz1The10GYF> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/2/#ixzz1The10GYF\> >> Case study> > GARETH , from Llanelli, was forced to go private for talking> therapy for his depression after spending five years trying to get NHS> doctors to refer him rather than just prescribing antidepressants.> > The 33-year-old, who works for Welsh mental health charity Gofal, said:> At first I wasnt sure what it was because you dont know whats happening> to you.> > It took a long time to build up the courage to go to the doctor. One of> the reasons I was reluctant to go to the doctors was because of the> negative press Id heard about antidepressants. If other treatments had> been available, Id have been more willing to try them.> > When I first approached the doctor they just tried to palm me off with> different antidepressants. I tried all different things, some of them> didnt work for me. Some of them would make me feel worse.> > I moved to a new area and changed doctor. I was lucky, I found a doctor> I could strike up a relationship with, someone who understood about> depression.> > She recommended that I be referred to the community mental health nurse.> That took a while to come through. It was about two months before I had> an appointment to see her.> > When I spoke to her, because I wasnt suicidal she didnt seem interested> in referring me for counselling.> > I hadnt taken an overdose or slashed my wrists so I wasnt seen as a> priority.> > I tried to explain that I thought I needed something else like> counselling. The response was I would be referred but I never heard> anything.> > Eventually I had to pay and go private. I paid for counselling and> cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).> > It was early in 2003, I can remember feeling very very ill and depressed> and that I needed to see a doctor. It was probably 2008 when I started> paying for counselling.> > I think in the end it was the combination of everything that worked. I> still take antidepressants, I take a very low dosage but it seems to> work for me. That coupled with the counselling and the CBT all helped> me.> > I manage it very well, I still have bouts now and then but I know how to> deal with it, and I know coping mechanisms if I do feel ill.> > Next page: Celebrities with depression> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/3/#ixzz1TheNUfuX> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/3/#ixzz1TheNUfuX\> >> Celebrities with depression> > A NUMBER of celebrities have talked candidly about their use of> antidepressants in recent years.> > TV presenter Fern Britton talked about her treatment for depression in a> newspaper interview> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#> in> November 2009, where she said: Well, I genuinely am cheery at the moment> and on an even keel. Ive got my medication completely right. I still> take a small amount of antidepressant everyday.> > Its not Prozac. I dont know whether its in the same family. Citalopram?> And for me its like being a diabetic. When I dont have it like this> summer, when I finished work, I thought Ill ease myself off it and see> what happens. Perhaps Ill be fine now. And I wasnt fine. My GP is> fantastic. Sadly, I think its something we have in the family my> maternal grandmother, my father, my brother, me...> > Actress Emma , who has suffered from depression since the 1980s,> said she suffered serious bouts following the death of her father > in 1982, her divorce from Branagh in 1995 and her inability to> get pregnant in the early 2000s. It was clinical depression, absolutely,> she said, referring to periods when she would refuse to get dressed or> leave the house.> > In an interview in October 2010, she said she still saw a therapist once> a week, though she had stopped taking antidepressants.> > Spice Girl Chisholm sought treatment for depression and an> eating disorder in 2000.> > The singer, who has a home in Monmouthshire, told reporters: I took> different medication, I was having therapy, counselling and alternative> therapies as well. Ive found a fantastic acupuncturist. Ive been having> it for years. Ive had pins in my face, my ears, everything. Its a sort> of pleasure-pain thing, a bit like a tattoo.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#ixzz1Theew4bD> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#ixzz1Theew4bD\> >>

[Guest guest]

A total of 3.5 million prescriptions were issued in Wales in 2010, in a population of three million people.

By contrast in Scotland in the same year, 4.3 million prescriptions were issued among a population of 5.2 million. In England the most recent figures for 2009 there were 39.1 million prescriptions compared to a 52.5 million population

The most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Wales in 2010 was Citalopram, brand name Cipramil, for which there were 1.2 million prescriptions.

There were 575,196 prescriptions for Amitriptyline, brand name Triptafen, and 410,590 for Fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac.

Although not as widely prescribed as other drugs, Prozac is the probably the best known antidepressant. Widely referred to in popular culture, it was included in the title of Wurtzels 1994 memoir Prozac Nation.

>> Welsh take more antidepressants than the rest of the UK> * by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday * Jul 31 2011> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/>> > * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> *> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/">> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> Share * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#>> Comments (2)> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#sitelife-commen\> tsWidget-bottom> Recommend > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#none>> DOCTORS in Wales last year gave out more prescriptions for depression> than there are people in the nation, according to startling new figures.> > Experts fear the current economic climate may be tipping people into a> spiral of depression, while mental health campaigners have warned of the> dangers of GP over-prescribing.> > A total of 3.5 million prescriptions were issued in Wales in 2010, in a> population of three million people.> > By contrast in Scotland in the same year, 4.3 million prescriptions were> issued among a population of 5.2 million. In England the most recent> figures for 2009 there were 39.1 million prescriptions compared to a> 52.5 million population.> > As well as having a higher level of prescriptions relative to> population, Wales has also experienced the biggest increase in> prescriptions in the UK, up nearly 70% in eight years, compared to 61%> in England and 43% in Scotland.> > Charlotte , deputy chair of the General Practitioners Committee> Wales of the British Medical Association, and a GP in Swansea, said: I> suspect its down to an ongoing lack of alternatives like psychological> therapies and also possibly a reflection of a difficult time people are> facing economically.> > All this is combined to more mental health problems and sometimes the> only recourse is to antidepressants.> > More people are coming in with anxiety, depression, stress and there are> lots of factors contributing to that, jobs, worries about financing> their home, worries about long-term prospects.> > The new figures come just days after research by the Family Doctor> Association found four out of five GPs routinely prescribe drugs> including antidepressants, sleeping pills and painkillers to patients> they believe are addicted to them.> > Alun , deputy chief executive of mental health charity Hafal, said> the medicalisation of depression after a bereavement or a major life> change may be part of the problem, with people going to their doctor> asking for a prescription rather than seeking support.> > Many of these prescriptions are not the best option, he told Wales on> Sunday. We do feel after a bereavement, changes in life, thats a given> part of life. What people need is someone to talk to, to put things into> perspective.> > Theres greater expectations on people through social media, work-life> balance. As a society weve fallen into a trap of think something is> depression rather than this is life circumstances.> > Quite often the problem with [people taking antidepressants] is that> people will take those anti-depressants and feel better but when it> comes time to come off them the problem is still there.> > Charities say the high levels of drug treatment may be also be due to a> lack of alternative therapies.> > andra Macmillan, public affairs manager at Gofal, said: People can> wait up to a year or more to access alternatives. I think its important> we get used to mental health in a holistic way. For some people it could> be about medication were not against medication for others [it could be> about] talking therapy, it works very well for many people.> > Theres also exercise on prescription, bibliotherapy [books], its about> having a range of options. Some times what can help the most is sorting> out their house or their job situation.> > Its very difficult when you have a limited amount of time with a GP and> there are waiting lists for other services. It can be hard to drill down> into what the problem might be.> > Mr said GPs the charity has spoken to are under huge pressure,> working in a system that currently leaves even sectioned mental health> patients waiting for talking therapies. He said: If GPs had the option> to prescribe talking therapy where they thought it would help then it> might have the impact of reducing the number of prescriptions which> would pay for it.> > Medication is a quick cheap solution. They want the ability to provide> help for the client but feel an immense pressure to get people treated> and feeling better.> > Over the last 10 years I know weve been talking to GPs saying were not> getting enough time with patients to find out what the problem is.> > Ruth Coombs, from Mind Cymru, said Wales generally has a higher level of> antidepressant prescribing than the rest of the UK, with 2009 figures> showing seven out of the 10 prescribing areas were in Wales, with> Torfaen the highest at 104 prescriptions per 1,000 people.> > She said Wales should consider building on the experiences of the> Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) scheme in England,> which has been running since 2008.> > That scheme has seen 3,660 new cognitive behavioural therapy workers> trained and more than 600,000 people start treatment, with more than> 350,000 people completing it, more than 120,000 moved to recovery and> more than 23,000 coming off sick pay or benefits between October 2008> and March 31, 2011.> > Ms Coombs said: Were in a situation where we can learn from their> experience of IAPT, seeing whats worked and what hasnt.> > Wed like to see a range of talking treatments being made available, not> an emphasis on cognitive behavioural.> > Wed like to see more of that but wed like to see others so people can> access others most appropriate for them.> > People need talking therapy in their language of need, its not about> language of choice its about language of need to articulate yourself,> maybe Welsh. Talking treatment through the medium of Welsh people have> even more problems getting access to that across Wales.> > In its manifesto, Welsh Labour pledged to review access to the range of> talking treatments ahead of this years Assembly election.> > A Welsh Government spokesman said: GPs use their clinical judgement in> determining what course of treatment to prescribe to their patients,> based on their individual needs and medical history.> > Depression can be linked to the presence of chronic physical illness> and, in some areas of Wales, there is a high burden of such conditions.> > There are clear guidelines in place for the use of antidepressant drugs> and GPs are encouraged to consider alternatives to medication, including> referral to a counsellor which is often be provided within the GP> practice.> > Other options that can be offered for mild to moderate depression> include talking therapies, exercise, and self-help books as part of the> Book Prescription Wales Scheme.> > He added: Ultimately, the treatment provided needs to be discussed and> agreed between clinicians and patients, and follow appropriate clinical> guidance such as that provided by NICE.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#ixzz1ThdacBYO> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#ixzz1ThdacBYO>> The most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Wales in 2010 was> Citalopram, brand name Cipramil, for which there were 1.2 million> prescriptions.> > There were 575,196 prescriptions for Amitriptyline, brand name> Triptafen, and 410,590 for Fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac.> > Although not as widely prescribed as other drugs, Prozac is the probably> the best known antidepressant. Widely referred to in popular culture, it> was included in the title of Wurtzels 1994 memoir Prozac> Nation.> > Typical dosage for antidepressants is between one and three doses a day,> depending on the prescription, either as tablets or as a liquid.> > GPs usually start by prescribing the lowest possible dose they think> will be needed to improve the symptoms, and then adjust as needed. Most> prescriptions are for a month to two months at a time, although they may> be shorter or longer depending on what stage treatment is at.> > The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends people on antidepressants> take them for at least six months after they start to feel better, with> people likely to be on them for around eight to nine months.> > It is recommended that people who have had two or more attacks of> depression continue treatment for at least two years.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/2/#ixzz1The10GYF> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/2/#ixzz1The10GYF\> >> Case study> > GARETH , from Llanelli, was forced to go private for talking> therapy for his depression after spending five years trying to get NHS> doctors to refer him rather than just prescribing antidepressants.> > The 33-year-old, who works for Welsh mental health charity Gofal, said:> At first I wasnt sure what it was because you dont know whats happening> to you.> > It took a long time to build up the courage to go to the doctor. One of> the reasons I was reluctant to go to the doctors was because of the> negative press Id heard about antidepressants. If other treatments had> been available, Id have been more willing to try them.> > When I first approached the doctor they just tried to palm me off with> different antidepressants. I tried all different things, some of them> didnt work for me. Some of them would make me feel worse.> > I moved to a new area and changed doctor. I was lucky, I found a doctor> I could strike up a relationship with, someone who understood about> depression.> > She recommended that I be referred to the community mental health nurse.> That took a while to come through. It was about two months before I had> an appointment to see her.> > When I spoke to her, because I wasnt suicidal she didnt seem interested> in referring me for counselling.> > I hadnt taken an overdose or slashed my wrists so I wasnt seen as a> priority.> > I tried to explain that I thought I needed something else like> counselling. The response was I would be referred but I never heard> anything.> > Eventually I had to pay and go private. I paid for counselling and> cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).> > It was early in 2003, I can remember feeling very very ill and depressed> and that I needed to see a doctor. It was probably 2008 when I started> paying for counselling.> > I think in the end it was the combination of everything that worked. I> still take antidepressants, I take a very low dosage but it seems to> work for me. That coupled with the counselling and the CBT all helped> me.> > I manage it very well, I still have bouts now and then but I know how to> deal with it, and I know coping mechanisms if I do feel ill.> > Next page: Celebrities with depression> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/3/#ixzz1TheNUfuX> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/3/#ixzz1TheNUfuX\> >> Celebrities with depression> > A NUMBER of celebrities have talked candidly about their use of> antidepressants in recent years.> > TV presenter Fern Britton talked about her treatment for depression in a> newspaper interview> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#> in> November 2009, where she said: Well, I genuinely am cheery at the moment> and on an even keel. Ive got my medication completely right. I still> take a small amount of antidepressant everyday.> > Its not Prozac. I dont know whether its in the same family. Citalopram?> And for me its like being a diabetic. When I dont have it like this> summer, when I finished work, I thought Ill ease myself off it and see> what happens. Perhaps Ill be fine now. And I wasnt fine. My GP is> fantastic. Sadly, I think its something we have in the family my> maternal grandmother, my father, my brother, me...> > Actress Emma , who has suffered from depression since the 1980s,> said she suffered serious bouts following the death of her father > in 1982, her divorce from Branagh in 1995 and her inability to> get pregnant in the early 2000s. It was clinical depression, absolutely,> she said, referring to periods when she would refuse to get dressed or> leave the house.> > In an interview in October 2010, she said she still saw a therapist once> a week, though she had stopped taking antidepressants.> > Spice Girl Chisholm sought treatment for depression and an> eating disorder in 2000.> > The singer, who has a home in Monmouthshire, told reporters: I took> different medication, I was having therapy, counselling and alternative> therapies as well. Ive found a fantastic acupuncturist. Ive been having> it for years. Ive had pins in my face, my ears, everything. Its a sort> of pleasure-pain thing, a bit like a tattoo.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#ixzz1Theew4bD> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#ixzz1Theew4bD\> >>

[Guest guest]

A total of 3.5 million prescriptions were issued in Wales in 2010, in a population of three million people.

By contrast in Scotland in the same year, 4.3 million prescriptions were issued among a population of 5.2 million. In England the most recent figures for 2009 there were 39.1 million prescriptions compared to a 52.5 million population

The most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Wales in 2010 was Citalopram, brand name Cipramil, for which there were 1.2 million prescriptions.

There were 575,196 prescriptions for Amitriptyline, brand name Triptafen, and 410,590 for Fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac.

Although not as widely prescribed as other drugs, Prozac is the probably the best known antidepressant. Widely referred to in popular culture, it was included in the title of Wurtzels 1994 memoir Prozac Nation.

>> Welsh take more antidepressants than the rest of the UK> * by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday * Jul 31 2011> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/>> > * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> *> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/">> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> Share * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#>> Comments (2)> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#sitelife-commen\> tsWidget-bottom> Recommend > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#none>> DOCTORS in Wales last year gave out more prescriptions for depression> than there are people in the nation, according to startling new figures.> > Experts fear the current economic climate may be tipping people into a> spiral of depression, while mental health campaigners have warned of the> dangers of GP over-prescribing.> > A total of 3.5 million prescriptions were issued in Wales in 2010, in a> population of three million people.> > By contrast in Scotland in the same year, 4.3 million prescriptions were> issued among a population of 5.2 million. In England the most recent> figures for 2009 there were 39.1 million prescriptions compared to a> 52.5 million population.> > As well as having a higher level of prescriptions relative to> population, Wales has also experienced the biggest increase in> prescriptions in the UK, up nearly 70% in eight years, compared to 61%> in England and 43% in Scotland.> > Charlotte , deputy chair of the General Practitioners Committee> Wales of the British Medical Association, and a GP in Swansea, said: I> suspect its down to an ongoing lack of alternatives like psychological> therapies and also possibly a reflection of a difficult time people are> facing economically.> > All this is combined to more mental health problems and sometimes the> only recourse is to antidepressants.> > More people are coming in with anxiety, depression, stress and there are> lots of factors contributing to that, jobs, worries about financing> their home, worries about long-term prospects.> > The new figures come just days after research by the Family Doctor> Association found four out of five GPs routinely prescribe drugs> including antidepressants, sleeping pills and painkillers to patients> they believe are addicted to them.> > Alun , deputy chief executive of mental health charity Hafal, said> the medicalisation of depression after a bereavement or a major life> change may be part of the problem, with people going to their doctor> asking for a prescription rather than seeking support.> > Many of these prescriptions are not the best option, he told Wales on> Sunday. We do feel after a bereavement, changes in life, thats a given> part of life. What people need is someone to talk to, to put things into> perspective.> > Theres greater expectations on people through social media, work-life> balance. As a society weve fallen into a trap of think something is> depression rather than this is life circumstances.> > Quite often the problem with [people taking antidepressants] is that> people will take those anti-depressants and feel better but when it> comes time to come off them the problem is still there.> > Charities say the high levels of drug treatment may be also be due to a> lack of alternative therapies.> > andra Macmillan, public affairs manager at Gofal, said: People can> wait up to a year or more to access alternatives. I think its important> we get used to mental health in a holistic way. For some people it could> be about medication were not against medication for others [it could be> about] talking therapy, it works very well for many people.> > Theres also exercise on prescription, bibliotherapy [books], its about> having a range of options. Some times what can help the most is sorting> out their house or their job situation.> > Its very difficult when you have a limited amount of time with a GP and> there are waiting lists for other services. It can be hard to drill down> into what the problem might be.> > Mr said GPs the charity has spoken to are under huge pressure,> working in a system that currently leaves even sectioned mental health> patients waiting for talking therapies. He said: If GPs had the option> to prescribe talking therapy where they thought it would help then it> might have the impact of reducing the number of prescriptions which> would pay for it.> > Medication is a quick cheap solution. They want the ability to provide> help for the client but feel an immense pressure to get people treated> and feeling better.> > Over the last 10 years I know weve been talking to GPs saying were not> getting enough time with patients to find out what the problem is.> > Ruth Coombs, from Mind Cymru, said Wales generally has a higher level of> antidepressant prescribing than the rest of the UK, with 2009 figures> showing seven out of the 10 prescribing areas were in Wales, with> Torfaen the highest at 104 prescriptions per 1,000 people.> > She said Wales should consider building on the experiences of the> Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) scheme in England,> which has been running since 2008.> > That scheme has seen 3,660 new cognitive behavioural therapy workers> trained and more than 600,000 people start treatment, with more than> 350,000 people completing it, more than 120,000 moved to recovery and> more than 23,000 coming off sick pay or benefits between October 2008> and March 31, 2011.> > Ms Coombs said: Were in a situation where we can learn from their> experience of IAPT, seeing whats worked and what hasnt.> > Wed like to see a range of talking treatments being made available, not> an emphasis on cognitive behavioural.> > Wed like to see more of that but wed like to see others so people can> access others most appropriate for them.> > People need talking therapy in their language of need, its not about> language of choice its about language of need to articulate yourself,> maybe Welsh. Talking treatment through the medium of Welsh people have> even more problems getting access to that across Wales.> > In its manifesto, Welsh Labour pledged to review access to the range of> talking treatments ahead of this years Assembly election.> > A Welsh Government spokesman said: GPs use their clinical judgement in> determining what course of treatment to prescribe to their patients,> based on their individual needs and medical history.> > Depression can be linked to the presence of chronic physical illness> and, in some areas of Wales, there is a high burden of such conditions.> > There are clear guidelines in place for the use of antidepressant drugs> and GPs are encouraged to consider alternatives to medication, including> referral to a counsellor which is often be provided within the GP> practice.> > Other options that can be offered for mild to moderate depression> include talking therapies, exercise, and self-help books as part of the> Book Prescription Wales Scheme.> > He added: Ultimately, the treatment provided needs to be discussed and> agreed between clinicians and patients, and follow appropriate clinical> guidance such as that provided by NICE.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#ixzz1ThdacBYO> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#ixzz1ThdacBYO>> The most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Wales in 2010 was> Citalopram, brand name Cipramil, for which there were 1.2 million> prescriptions.> > There were 575,196 prescriptions for Amitriptyline, brand name> Triptafen, and 410,590 for Fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac.> > Although not as widely prescribed as other drugs, Prozac is the probably> the best known antidepressant. Widely referred to in popular culture, it> was included in the title of Wurtzels 1994 memoir Prozac> Nation.> > Typical dosage for antidepressants is between one and three doses a day,> depending on the prescription, either as tablets or as a liquid.> > GPs usually start by prescribing the lowest possible dose they think> will be needed to improve the symptoms, and then adjust as needed. Most> prescriptions are for a month to two months at a time, although they may> be shorter or longer depending on what stage treatment is at.> > The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends people on antidepressants> take them for at least six months after they start to feel better, with> people likely to be on them for around eight to nine months.> > It is recommended that people who have had two or more attacks of> depression continue treatment for at least two years.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/2/#ixzz1The10GYF> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/2/#ixzz1The10GYF\> >> Case study> > GARETH , from Llanelli, was forced to go private for talking> therapy for his depression after spending five years trying to get NHS> doctors to refer him rather than just prescribing antidepressants.> > The 33-year-old, who works for Welsh mental health charity Gofal, said:> At first I wasnt sure what it was because you dont know whats happening> to you.> > It took a long time to build up the courage to go to the doctor. One of> the reasons I was reluctant to go to the doctors was because of the> negative press Id heard about antidepressants. If other treatments had> been available, Id have been more willing to try them.> > When I first approached the doctor they just tried to palm me off with> different antidepressants. I tried all different things, some of them> didnt work for me. Some of them would make me feel worse.> > I moved to a new area and changed doctor. I was lucky, I found a doctor> I could strike up a relationship with, someone who understood about> depression.> > She recommended that I be referred to the community mental health nurse.> That took a while to come through. It was about two months before I had> an appointment to see her.> > When I spoke to her, because I wasnt suicidal she didnt seem interested> in referring me for counselling.> > I hadnt taken an overdose or slashed my wrists so I wasnt seen as a> priority.> > I tried to explain that I thought I needed something else like> counselling. The response was I would be referred but I never heard> anything.> > Eventually I had to pay and go private. I paid for counselling and> cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).> > It was early in 2003, I can remember feeling very very ill and depressed> and that I needed to see a doctor. It was probably 2008 when I started> paying for counselling.> > I think in the end it was the combination of everything that worked. I> still take antidepressants, I take a very low dosage but it seems to> work for me. That coupled with the counselling and the CBT all helped> me.> > I manage it very well, I still have bouts now and then but I know how to> deal with it, and I know coping mechanisms if I do feel ill.> > Next page: Celebrities with depression> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/3/#ixzz1TheNUfuX> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/3/#ixzz1TheNUfuX\> >> Celebrities with depression> > A NUMBER of celebrities have talked candidly about their use of> antidepressants in recent years.> > TV presenter Fern Britton talked about her treatment for depression in a> newspaper interview> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#> in> November 2009, where she said: Well, I genuinely am cheery at the moment> and on an even keel. Ive got my medication completely right. I still> take a small amount of antidepressant everyday.> > Its not Prozac. I dont know whether its in the same family. Citalopram?> And for me its like being a diabetic. When I dont have it like this> summer, when I finished work, I thought Ill ease myself off it and see> what happens. Perhaps Ill be fine now. And I wasnt fine. My GP is> fantastic. Sadly, I think its something we have in the family my> maternal grandmother, my father, my brother, me...> > Actress Emma , who has suffered from depression since the 1980s,> said she suffered serious bouts following the death of her father > in 1982, her divorce from Branagh in 1995 and her inability to> get pregnant in the early 2000s. It was clinical depression, absolutely,> she said, referring to periods when she would refuse to get dressed or> leave the house.> > In an interview in October 2010, she said she still saw a therapist once> a week, though she had stopped taking antidepressants.> > Spice Girl Chisholm sought treatment for depression and an> eating disorder in 2000.> > The singer, who has a home in Monmouthshire, told reporters: I took> different medication, I was having therapy, counselling and alternative> therapies as well. Ive found a fantastic acupuncturist. Ive been having> it for years. Ive had pins in my face, my ears, everything. Its a sort> of pleasure-pain thing, a bit like a tattoo.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#ixzz1Theew4bD> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#ixzz1Theew4bD\> >>

[Guest guest]

A total of 3.5 million prescriptions were issued in Wales in 2010, in a population of three million people.

By contrast in Scotland in the same year, 4.3 million prescriptions were issued among a population of 5.2 million. In England the most recent figures for 2009 there were 39.1 million prescriptions compared to a 52.5 million population

The most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Wales in 2010 was Citalopram, brand name Cipramil, for which there were 1.2 million prescriptions.

There were 575,196 prescriptions for Amitriptyline, brand name Triptafen, and 410,590 for Fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac.

Although not as widely prescribed as other drugs, Prozac is the probably the best known antidepressant. Widely referred to in popular culture, it was included in the title of Wurtzels 1994 memoir Prozac Nation.

>> Welsh take more antidepressants than the rest of the UK> * by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday * Jul 31 2011> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/>> > * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> *> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/">> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> Share * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#> * > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#>> Comments (2)> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#sitelife-commen\> tsWidget-bottom> Recommend > <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#none>> DOCTORS in Wales last year gave out more prescriptions for depression> than there are people in the nation, according to startling new figures.> > Experts fear the current economic climate may be tipping people into a> spiral of depression, while mental health campaigners have warned of the> dangers of GP over-prescribing.> > A total of 3.5 million prescriptions were issued in Wales in 2010, in a> population of three million people.> > By contrast in Scotland in the same year, 4.3 million prescriptions were> issued among a population of 5.2 million. In England the most recent> figures for 2009 there were 39.1 million prescriptions compared to a> 52.5 million population.> > As well as having a higher level of prescriptions relative to> population, Wales has also experienced the biggest increase in> prescriptions in the UK, up nearly 70% in eight years, compared to 61%> in England and 43% in Scotland.> > Charlotte , deputy chair of the General Practitioners Committee> Wales of the British Medical Association, and a GP in Swansea, said: I> suspect its down to an ongoing lack of alternatives like psychological> therapies and also possibly a reflection of a difficult time people are> facing economically.> > All this is combined to more mental health problems and sometimes the> only recourse is to antidepressants.> > More people are coming in with anxiety, depression, stress and there are> lots of factors contributing to that, jobs, worries about financing> their home, worries about long-term prospects.> > The new figures come just days after research by the Family Doctor> Association found four out of five GPs routinely prescribe drugs> including antidepressants, sleeping pills and painkillers to patients> they believe are addicted to them.> > Alun , deputy chief executive of mental health charity Hafal, said> the medicalisation of depression after a bereavement or a major life> change may be part of the problem, with people going to their doctor> asking for a prescription rather than seeking support.> > Many of these prescriptions are not the best option, he told Wales on> Sunday. We do feel after a bereavement, changes in life, thats a given> part of life. What people need is someone to talk to, to put things into> perspective.> > Theres greater expectations on people through social media, work-life> balance. As a society weve fallen into a trap of think something is> depression rather than this is life circumstances.> > Quite often the problem with [people taking antidepressants] is that> people will take those anti-depressants and feel better but when it> comes time to come off them the problem is still there.> > Charities say the high levels of drug treatment may be also be due to a> lack of alternative therapies.> > andra Macmillan, public affairs manager at Gofal, said: People can> wait up to a year or more to access alternatives. I think its important> we get used to mental health in a holistic way. For some people it could> be about medication were not against medication for others [it could be> about] talking therapy, it works very well for many people.> > Theres also exercise on prescription, bibliotherapy [books], its about> having a range of options. Some times what can help the most is sorting> out their house or their job situation.> > Its very difficult when you have a limited amount of time with a GP and> there are waiting lists for other services. It can be hard to drill down> into what the problem might be.> > Mr said GPs the charity has spoken to are under huge pressure,> working in a system that currently leaves even sectioned mental health> patients waiting for talking therapies. He said: If GPs had the option> to prescribe talking therapy where they thought it would help then it> might have the impact of reducing the number of prescriptions which> would pay for it.> > Medication is a quick cheap solution. They want the ability to provide> help for the client but feel an immense pressure to get people treated> and feeling better.> > Over the last 10 years I know weve been talking to GPs saying were not> getting enough time with patients to find out what the problem is.> > Ruth Coombs, from Mind Cymru, said Wales generally has a higher level of> antidepressant prescribing than the rest of the UK, with 2009 figures> showing seven out of the 10 prescribing areas were in Wales, with> Torfaen the highest at 104 prescriptions per 1,000 people.> > She said Wales should consider building on the experiences of the> Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) scheme in England,> which has been running since 2008.> > That scheme has seen 3,660 new cognitive behavioural therapy workers> trained and more than 600,000 people start treatment, with more than> 350,000 people completing it, more than 120,000 moved to recovery and> more than 23,000 coming off sick pay or benefits between October 2008> and March 31, 2011.> > Ms Coombs said: Were in a situation where we can learn from their> experience of IAPT, seeing whats worked and what hasnt.> > Wed like to see a range of talking treatments being made available, not> an emphasis on cognitive behavioural.> > Wed like to see more of that but wed like to see others so people can> access others most appropriate for them.> > People need talking therapy in their language of need, its not about> language of choice its about language of need to articulate yourself,> maybe Welsh. Talking treatment through the medium of Welsh people have> even more problems getting access to that across Wales.> > In its manifesto, Welsh Labour pledged to review access to the range of> talking treatments ahead of this years Assembly election.> > A Welsh Government spokesman said: GPs use their clinical judgement in> determining what course of treatment to prescribe to their patients,> based on their individual needs and medical history.> > Depression can be linked to the presence of chronic physical illness> and, in some areas of Wales, there is a high burden of such conditions.> > There are clear guidelines in place for the use of antidepressant drugs> and GPs are encouraged to consider alternatives to medication, including> referral to a counsellor which is often be provided within the GP> practice.> > Other options that can be offered for mild to moderate depression> include talking therapies, exercise, and self-help books as part of the> Book Prescription Wales Scheme.> > He added: Ultimately, the treatment provided needs to be discussed and> agreed between clinicians and patients, and follow appropriate clinical> guidance such as that provided by NICE.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#ixzz1ThdacBYO> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/#ixzz1ThdacBYO>> The most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Wales in 2010 was> Citalopram, brand name Cipramil, for which there were 1.2 million> prescriptions.> > There were 575,196 prescriptions for Amitriptyline, brand name> Triptafen, and 410,590 for Fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac.> > Although not as widely prescribed as other drugs, Prozac is the probably> the best known antidepressant. Widely referred to in popular culture, it> was included in the title of Wurtzels 1994 memoir Prozac> Nation.> > Typical dosage for antidepressants is between one and three doses a day,> depending on the prescription, either as tablets or as a liquid.> > GPs usually start by prescribing the lowest possible dose they think> will be needed to improve the symptoms, and then adjust as needed. Most> prescriptions are for a month to two months at a time, although they may> be shorter or longer depending on what stage treatment is at.> > The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends people on antidepressants> take them for at least six months after they start to feel better, with> people likely to be on them for around eight to nine months.> > It is recommended that people who have had two or more attacks of> depression continue treatment for at least two years.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/2/#ixzz1The10GYF> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/2/#ixzz1The10GYF\> >> Case study> > GARETH , from Llanelli, was forced to go private for talking> therapy for his depression after spending five years trying to get NHS> doctors to refer him rather than just prescribing antidepressants.> > The 33-year-old, who works for Welsh mental health charity Gofal, said:> At first I wasnt sure what it was because you dont know whats happening> to you.> > It took a long time to build up the courage to go to the doctor. One of> the reasons I was reluctant to go to the doctors was because of the> negative press Id heard about antidepressants. If other treatments had> been available, Id have been more willing to try them.> > When I first approached the doctor they just tried to palm me off with> different antidepressants. I tried all different things, some of them> didnt work for me. Some of them would make me feel worse.> > I moved to a new area and changed doctor. I was lucky, I found a doctor> I could strike up a relationship with, someone who understood about> depression.> > She recommended that I be referred to the community mental health nurse.> That took a while to come through. It was about two months before I had> an appointment to see her.> > When I spoke to her, because I wasnt suicidal she didnt seem interested> in referring me for counselling.> > I hadnt taken an overdose or slashed my wrists so I wasnt seen as a> priority.> > I tried to explain that I thought I needed something else like> counselling. The response was I would be referred but I never heard> anything.> > Eventually I had to pay and go private. I paid for counselling and> cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).> > It was early in 2003, I can remember feeling very very ill and depressed> and that I needed to see a doctor. It was probably 2008 when I started> paying for counselling.> > I think in the end it was the combination of everything that worked. I> still take antidepressants, I take a very low dosage but it seems to> work for me. That coupled with the counselling and the CBT all helped> me.> > I manage it very well, I still have bouts now and then but I know how to> deal with it, and I know coping mechanisms if I do feel ill.> > Next page: Celebrities with depression> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/3/#ixzz1TheNUfuX> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/3/#ixzz1TheNUfuX\> >> Celebrities with depression> > A NUMBER of celebrities have talked candidly about their use of> antidepressants in recent years.> > TV presenter Fern Britton talked about her treatment for depression in a> newspaper interview> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#> in> November 2009, where she said: Well, I genuinely am cheery at the moment> and on an even keel. Ive got my medication completely right. I still> take a small amount of antidepressant everyday.> > Its not Prozac. I dont know whether its in the same family. Citalopram?> And for me its like being a diabetic. When I dont have it like this> summer, when I finished work, I thought Ill ease myself off it and see> what happens. Perhaps Ill be fine now. And I wasnt fine. My GP is> fantastic. Sadly, I think its something we have in the family my> maternal grandmother, my father, my brother, me...> > Actress Emma , who has suffered from depression since the 1980s,> said she suffered serious bouts following the death of her father > in 1982, her divorce from Branagh in 1995 and her inability to> get pregnant in the early 2000s. It was clinical depression, absolutely,> she said, referring to periods when she would refuse to get dressed or> leave the house.> > In an interview in October 2010, she said she still saw a therapist once> a week, though she had stopped taking antidepressants.> > Spice Girl Chisholm sought treatment for depression and an> eating disorder in 2000.> > The singer, who has a home in Monmouthshire, told reporters: I took> different medication, I was having therapy, counselling and alternative> therapies as well. Ive found a fantastic acupuncturist. Ive been having> it for years. Ive had pins in my face, my ears, everything. Its a sort> of pleasure-pain thing, a bit like a tattoo.> > > Read More> http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more-\> antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#ixzz1Theew4bD> <http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/31/welsh-take-more\> -antidepressants-than-the-rest-of-the-uk-91466-29149755/4/#ixzz1Theew4bD\> >>