ABSTRACT
Objective: to determine the knowledge and opinion of doctors regarding psychotropic Medications
Study Design: observational, cross-sectional
Place and Duration of Study: Services Hospital Lahore and Lahore General Hospital from March 2008 to March 2009
Methodology: this study included one hundred and thirty two doctors through non-probable purposive sampling. A 20-item questionnaire was distributed to doctors. The questionnaire included questions regarding the opinions, knowledge and attitudes of doctors- towards psychotropic medication. Socio-demographic data of doctors was also recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Frequency tables were created
Results: a total of 132 questionnaires were completed by doctors. A total of 50% believe that there is a proper use of psychotropic medication, while 38.5% believe that psychiatrists unnecessarily use high doses of psychotropic medication. A total of 69% think that higher doses of psychotropic are not more effective. A total of 73.8% fear psychotropic agents more than other types of medication. Most doctors believe that medication is most effective treatment for schizophrenia [36.5%] and depression [42.2%] and psychotherapy is the most effective method of dealing with anxiety disorders [45.2%]. A total of 75.4% believe that psychotropic is dangerous
Conclusion: our study indicates that the knowledge, opinions and beliefs prevalent in the doctors are not consistent with scientific knowledge