Are NGAs and Antidepressants overprescribed in the UK?
This blog will discuss the topic of NGA’s (new generational antipsychotic drugs) and antidepressant oversubscription in the UK and what are some factors that are contributing to this. Secondly, we will discuss what their side effects are. To conclude, we will talk about alternative treatments available in the UK that could decrease the number of prescriptions being issued in the UK.
What are Antidepressants, and what do they treat?
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, antidepressants are medications that can help relieve the symptoms of depression but can be used in the treatment of some other conditions. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the UK. As stated by Joe Pindar from Champion Health, around 1 in 6 adults in the UK in 2023. Depression disrupts a person's day-to-day life as it decreases productivity in every aspect.
Dopamine is one of the many chemicals present in the brain that carries messages from one part of the brain to another. It is thought that high levels of dopamine may cause the brain to function differently and may cause symptoms of depression and psychosis. Therefore, antipsychotic medications such as NGAs reduce the amount of dopamine in the brain or restore the balance of dopamine with other chemicals in the brain. This is done so that NGA’s block the dopamine receptors to help with symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.
Over prescription of NGA’s and Antidepressants
A study performed in Australia suggested that over prescription of antidepressants is fueled by the increase in the incidence of depression, stress, and anxiety, or due to the way psychotropic medications are marketed. Another explanation could be suggested: psychiatric disorders, namely depression, are being over diagnosed on a considerable scale, leading to a list of significant adverse consequences that mostly affect the most vulnerable groups of patients. This line of reasoning could be used to explain over prescription in the UK.
Half a million more adults in England are now taking antidepressants compared with the previous year, according to NHS figures. The number of prescriptions for children and teenagers has also risen. From 2021-22, there was a 5% rise in the number of adults receiving them - from 7.9 million in the previous 12 months to 8.3 million.
According to the National Institution for Health and Care Excellence, common side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs can include feeling agitated, being sick, loss of appetite, insomnia, and many more. It is advised that even though side effects may arise, it is important to continue treatment as it will take several weeks before the individual begins to benefit from treatment. However, aside from common symptoms, there are severe cases of serotonin symptoms where the person may feel confused and potentially could have seizures and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). If so, the person should stop taking medication and seek immediate advice.
Alternative solution
As stated by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, there are other treatments available for individuals with mild depression. Trying alternative treatment could reduce the number of overprescribed medications:
Psychotherapies (talk therapy or getting counseling)
Herbal remedies such as Hypericum for depression, and general well-being.
Light Therapy (Reminder -> people might find that they feel depressed during winter. This is called seasonal affective disorder SAD -> Not just for seasonal depression)
Arts and creative therapy
In conclusion, there has been an increase in the prescription of antidepressants and NGAs, but in my opinion, it is not qualified under over prescription. Over prescription as defined by Oxford Language is the action of prescribing a drug or treatment in a greater amount or on more occasions than necessary. With the data that I have researched, antidepressants and NGA’s are not being prescribed on more occasions than necessary. Mental health professionals play direct or indirect roles in both advocating for antidepressant use and monitoring adherence. There are increased prescribing rates of antidepressants associated with an increase in the diagnosis of depression, because people nowadays are speaking up more as it is an issue, it is being brought up to society more.
Written by Glanelle K.
Moderated by Joanna
