Top GP warns against quick-fix scripts for pandemic anxiety
The upswing in anxiolytics could be due to patients wanting a speedy way out of COVID-19 distress, says Melbourne GP Dr Caroline Johnson
The rise in anxiolytics prescribing during the pandemic may indicate patients are looking for a quick solution to their COVID-19-related distress, warns a leading GP.
GP educator Dr Caroline Johnson was responding to a recent report that showed GPs prescribed up to 20% more anxiety medications and antidepressants during the pandemic months than at the same time last year.
The data, drawn from 1000 GP clinics in NSW and Victoria, also showed a sharp increase in anxiolytic scripts in recent weeks.
While there had been a steep rise in the overall number of new diagnoses for anxiety, diagnoses for depression remained relatively constant, according to the report by e-health company Outcome Health.
