Prescriptions for eight antidepressants available from the HSE increased by 64% between 2009 and 2017. 

Is this because people were more likely to attend their GP with feelings of depression or anxiety? Or is it because GPs are more prepared to prescribe medication rather than talk therapy?

So what’s really happening in general practice? Should therapies be offered on a more consistent basis? 

Dr. Brendan O’Shea, Family Doctor, joined Ivan on this evening's edition of the Hard Shoulder to tell him how GP surgeries are largely 'putting out fires'.