`Happy pill' use soars 70 per cent

Thousands of Rotorua patients suffering from depression have been left in limbo following a study indicating their drugs don't work.

The international study has shocked some patients who say they rely on them to keep them stable.

This comes as new figures show the number of antidepressants prescribed in the Lakes district has soared by about 70 per cent in six years.

There were 14,501 prescriptions made out to Rotorua and Taupo patients in 2000. Six years on, that number increased to 24,525.

With more people accessing the drugs, GPs say the study has highlighted the need to improve the availability of alternative treatments such as "talking therapies", especially for those with mild depression.

A study by British and American researchers released this week found antidepressants worked little better than sugar pills for some people.

They looked at four commonly-used antidepressants available to New Zealanders, including Prozac and Aropax.

The Government's drug buying agency, Pharmac, spent nearly $28 million on anti-depressants last year. The study has prompted Pharmac to look into their effectiveness.

In Rotorua, GPs and mental health professionals are continuing to prescribe antidepressants.

One patient, who does not want to be identified said the study was "a load of rubbish". The mother-of-three has battled depression for 15 years and said antidepressants enabled her to function normally.

"I've experienced the benefits and so have a lot of people."

She's concerned reports about the study will discourage some people from taking them. "These could be people who aren't in a rational state or those persuaded to take them ... Who will be responsible for the fallout?"

John Armstrong, a GP in Rotorua for 20 years, said the prescription figures reflected greater awareness about the illness.

"Are we a depressed bunch? No, I don't think so. I think there's less stigma about depression now and everyone's open to discussing it."

The study showing "dummy pills" were just as effective as antidepressants highlighted the need for better access to alternative treatments.

Rotorua GP and Independent Practitioners Association Council of New Zealand chairwoman Bev O'Keefe said there were several reasons why more patients were prescribed antidepressants.

"It could be GPs are better at recognising the symptoms or that the newer drugs have fewer side effects and people are more comfortable taking them."

Health Rotorua PHO chief executive Eugene Berryman-Kamp said the study justified launching a new health service for people with mild depression.

The PHO has secured more than $200,000 to run a two-year pilot programme that could see people experiencing depression or anxiety undergo free counselling or receive free GP visits. It will be available to people who need additional support to cope with depression but don't qualify for severe psychiatric services, a service gap identified by Health Rotorua. The programme will be launched in a few months after it has been "finetuned", Mr Berryman-Kamp said.


Lakes district antidepressants prescriptions:

2000 14,501

2001 14,974

2002 16,032

2003 17,405

2004 20,354

2005 24,525