Can GP's in Ireland prescribe antidepressents?

Pete29 · 20-09-2008 8:59pm #1

Can they? Or do you have to be reffered to a psychologist.

Moobui · 20-09-2008 10:38pm

Psychologists can't prescribe in Ireland so I presume it would be either the GP or a psychiatrist that would prescribe.

JuliusCaesar · 22-09-2008 9:57am

Pete29 wrote: »

Can they? Or do you have to be reffered to a psychologist.

a GP is a medical doctor specialising in general practice - they will have undergone training in obstetrics and mental health amongst others. They can prescribe and refer on to specialists.

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialising in mental health, and can prescribe.

A Psychologist will generally have a doctorate in clinical psychology (or other specialism) but not being medical, cannot prescribe.

Some Clinical Nurse Specialists, including some mental health nurses, will have undertaken specialist training and can prescribe.

Hope this helps.

Pete29 · 22-09-2008 7:48pm

Hey, thanks guys. Ment to write psychiatrist originally. Thanks for the help.

Kevster · 25-09-2008 10:30pm

I may as well add my piece: My GP has been prescribing me Lexapro (an SSRI anti-depressant) for 4+ years now. It has helped me cope with life, no doubt about it.

Take care,
Kevin

ChocolateSauce · 26-09-2008 2:59pm

Yes, because depression is a disease.

Pete29 · 26-09-2008 11:04pm

Thanks Kevin and Chocolate sauce.

electrofilth · 14-10-2008 10:17pm

i found lexapro a major disappointment. hated it.just clogged up my head, made it hard to concentrate. these days i jog twice a week do yoga and meditation, these are all free and ten times more beneficial than antidepressants.no side effects either! natural is way better than chemical if you ask me.

Can GP's in Ireland prescribe antidepressents?

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