This really needs a 2 part answer, so the 2nd will follow.
Anti-depressants have a lot of off-label uses. There are some neurologists and orthopaedists who prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant to patients whom they send to see a physiotherapist: it is something to do with its anti-spasmodic effect on muscle fibres (I think). Some neurologists prescribe tricyclics for the same reason to people with migraine. The dose is comparatively low, but it is still a prescription for an anti-depressant.
Similarly, because it is estimated that somewhere between 90-95% of the body's serotonin resides in the gut, some doctors prescribe the SSRI antidepressants for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Gershon refers to the gut as the enteric nervous system or even the second brain. A GP might prescribe the SSRI because s/he believes that it is a helpful off-label intervention. Or, it might be prescribed because the GP and patient believe that the gut-symptoms are secondary to depression.
So - not all anti-depressants are prescribed for depression. In which case, we might be wary of using the number of prescriptions issued/filled/whatever to substantiate the claim that we have an epidemic of depression.
Gillian McKeith is a whole, other topic that deserves its own post. I will get to it.
tonyplant
April 24, 2006 - 17:14Hi Mrs Spratt,
This really needs a 2 part answer, so the 2nd will follow.
Anti-depressants have a lot of off-label uses. There are some neurologists and orthopaedists who prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant to patients whom they send to see a physiotherapist: it is something to do with its anti-spasmodic effect on muscle fibres (I think). Some neurologists prescribe tricyclics for the same reason to people with migraine. The dose is comparatively low, but it is still a prescription for an anti-depressant.
Similarly, because it is estimated that somewhere between 90-95% of the body's serotonin resides in the gut, some doctors prescribe the SSRI antidepressants for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Gershon refers to the gut as the enteric nervous system or even the second brain. A GP might prescribe the SSRI because s/he believes that it is a helpful off-label intervention. Or, it might be prescribed because the GP and patient believe that the gut-symptoms are secondary to depression.
So - not all anti-depressants are prescribed for depression. In which case, we might be wary of using the number of prescriptions issued/filled/whatever to substantiate the claim that we have an epidemic of depression.
Gillian McKeith is a whole, other topic that deserves its own post. I will get to it.
Take Care - Tony Happystance
»