C. SukyingMahidol University2018-09-072018-09-072000-02-01Singapore Medical Journal. Vol.41, No.3 SUPPL. 1 (2000), 53-54003756752-s2.0-0034090012https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/26286Thailand has a population of approximately 61 million. The prevalence of mental disorders among the population in Bangkok was 21.3%, with approximately one-fifth being depressive disorders. A study on the patterns of psychotropic drug prescriptions by general practitioners indicated that only one-third of primary care attenders received any psychiatric treatments. Amitryptyline was the most commonly used antidepressants (96.7%). The National Drug Committee policy encourages general practitioners to use only drugs available from the National List of Essential Drugs. The economic crisis in the region has also worsened the situation. The Department of Mental Health has recently developed the practice guideline on the care of patients with mood disorders.Mahidol UniversityMedicineArticleSCOPUS