Madam, - A report in your edition of December 2nd raises issues around the prescription of anti-depressants.
While it is true to say that there are no definitive tests for theconditions of schizophrenia, manic depressive illness or depression,these clinical syndromes are internationally recognised by the WorldHealth Organisation and detailed in the International Classification ofDiseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) and the Diagnostic and StatisticalManual 4th Edition (DSM-4). All psychiatrists are trained in the use ofthese diagnostic criteria.
There is also a substantial research evidence base for the use ofanti-depressant medication in the treatment of depressive illness. TheIrish College of Psychiatrists agrees with the prescription ofanti-depressants for depressive illness as part of a treatment package,often in combination with other psychological therapies, which would beprescribed on an individual case-by-case basis.
The college is continually concerned about the provision ofsufficient resources in the mental health services to allow broad-basedtreatment to be made available to all patients.
The college is also concerned about the effect of adverse publicityon patients receiving anti-depressant treatment. Individual patientswho are concerned about their treatment should contact their doctor. -Yours, etc.,
Dr COLETTE HALPIN,
Chairperson,
Irish College
of Psychiatrists,
St Stephen's Green,
Dublin 2.