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Question
18 Jan 2006
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Can a GP prescribe antidepressants for post natal depression?
I would like to know if a Dr at one of the medicross clinics or even a normal GP can prescribe antidepressants for post natal depression. I am sure I am suffering from post natal depression and it has been longer than 6 months since I had the baby and I dont feel good emotionally at all. I can't afford to go to a pshychiatrist or psychologist. I did go to one when I was pregnant as I was suffering worse then but he just gave counselling which was most unhelpful and a waste of money for R250 a session. There are some days I can barely make it out of bed and at nights it seems to get worse. I don't have a bad life so there is no real reason for this other than depression. I am tired of feeling so sad most of the time.
CyberShrink
Any doctor, any GP can prescribe ANY drug, for a patient he/she knows. They can certainly prescribe antidepressants --- the important thing is that they need to be able to assess you competently, to be sure of the diagnosis, and then choose a med that will suit you, at the right dose. It certainly sounds as though you might have a post-natal depression. Fortunately they usually respond really well to treatment
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