Skip to main content

Table 4 Conditions leading to prescription of an antidepressant by the GPs

From: Understanding the prescription of antidepressants: a Qualitative study among French GPs

Theme

Conditions n = 24

Neurology or neurological symptoms n = 8

Isolated sleeping disorder, dementia, neuropathic pain, migraines, stroke side effects, restless legs, diffuse pain, Parkinson's disease.

 

Quote 14 "I prescribe paroxetine because she has restless legs symptoms, and paresthesia ..." (FG 5, Male GP 27, locum)

Rheumatology, Musculo- skeletal symptoms n = 5

Fibromyalgia, lower back pain, sciatica, muscle or joint symptoms, tension headaches.

 

Quote 15 "Somebody who has been coming again and again for 6 months, always complaining about lower back pain. You've tried everything, no improvement..I possibly prescribe an AD..." (FG 2 male GP, 42, rural practice)

General symptoms n = 4

Chronic patient, asthenia or fatigue, unexplained complaints, lack of observance among DT 2 patients.

 

Quote 16 "All specialists send your patient back to you, all examinations have been done, everybody tells you there is "nothing", "nothing to be done" "(FG 4, male GP, 50, rural practice)

Dermatology n = 1

Chronic pruritis.

Gastroenterology n = 2

Gastrointestinal symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome.

 

Quote 17 "I've had a patient, the local professor in gastroenterology prescribed him a tricyclic agent, telling it was excellent for him, and the symptoms improved a lot..." (FG 1; female GP, 49, rural practice)

Sexual problems n = 2

Male sexual dysfunctions/impotence, premature ejaculation.

 

Quote 18 " I've discovered ADs can be prescribed for impotence problems" (FG 1, male GP 59, urban practice)

Urological symptoms n = 2

Nocturnal enuresis, urinary incontinence.

 

Quote 19 "I prescribe ADs among patients who have post surgical incontinence, and I'm not the only one who does that. Many professors in urology do so, it's brilliant..."(FG 3; male GP, 45, urban practice)