title: Factors associated with antidepressant choice.
abstract: Previous studies have suggested that nonpsychiatrists tend to prescribe antidepressants (ADs) with the most side effects (SEs), whereas psychiatrists are more likely to prescribe more ADs with fewer SEs. The authors used a questionnaire to examine the antidepressant prescribing pattern, conditions for which ADs were prescribed, and SEs of concern to physicians. Of those surveyed, the psychiatrists reported prescribing significantly more nortriptyline and desipramine, whereas the nonpsychiatrists prescribed more amitriptyline. The nonpsychiatrists were more likely to prescribe ADs for pain, and they were significantly less concerned with orthostatic hypotension. Possible lower dosing and level of concern about orthostatic hypotension may be related. Further study is proposed to assess other factors that might influence AD choice.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Syracuse, NY.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Huszonek
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Dewan
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Donnelly
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009518:New York; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents