Norfolk GPs to take part in study looking at prescription medication dependency
This research is being led by the University of Bedfordshire and will last for eighteen months.
Last updated 2nd Sep 2021
Patients and staff from Norfolk and Waveney's GPs are taking part in a study which looks at the causes and effects of prescription medication dependency.
This research is being led by the University of Bedfordshire and will last for eighteen months.
Dr Jennifer Seddon, who is leading the study told us that "understanding the issue better and how dependency can affect patients" is central to the investigation. She hopes the study can result in a better quality of care for patients across the country.
Dr Seddon told us that Norfolk was the perfect place to examine the issue: "In Norfolk there is such a mix of affluent and deprived areas. This can therefore help us understand what role health inequality and deprivation plays in dependency".
She told us that while antidepressants, benzodiazepines, opioids, z-drugs and gabapentiniods are effective medications for most people, dependence and withdrawal can result in people experiencing panic attacks, seizures or even episodes of psychosis."
She concluded by saying that the response so far from patients and staff at Norfolk's GPs has "been excellent so far".
She also added that Norfolk's GP's have a long history of helping to create well respected research and it's great to have them onboard.