Many factors affect the number of antidepressant prescriptions dispensed in particular areas

The Guardian has published a map of GP antidepressant prescribing. Its article based on the data makes a lot of the finding that it tends to be Northern parts of England with higher numbers of prescriptions.

However, as the care services minister commented, "There are many factors that affect the number of antidepressant prescriptions dispensed in one particular area". For a start the Guardian data is not age standardised. There are significant differences between GP practices in the same area, which can be greater than the average differences between areas. The article doesn't mention the high rates in Norfolk and Waveney where I work.

Deprivation is likely to be a factor in prescribing as mental health need is correlated with deprivation. Pharmaceutical company marketing influences cannot be ignored.