Psychoactive drugs : Improving prescribing practices

In prescribing psychoactive drugs to treat insomnia, depression and anxiety, members of the medical profession often find themselves providing a pharmacological response to symptoms that may, in fact, stem from social and personal problems rather than medical ones. It is the deep unease about this situation, coupled with the knowledge that the drugs concerned are liable to misuse and can lead to dependence, that is the cause of the current widespread concern about the large number of prescriptions being issued in many countries. In view of this, physicians have a particular responsibility to ensure that psychoactive drugs are prescribed only for conditions for which they have been shown to be effective, in the correct dose, and for the correct period of time. This publication discusses in detail the factors that influence prescribing practices, and stresses the need for education - of both members of the public and the health care professions - if rational use of psychoactive drugs is to be ensured.