Recession-related illnesses on the rise, warn GPs

THE number of patients seeking treatment for drug and alcohol abuse has jumped dramatically since the onset of the recession, according to family doctors.

In addition, GPs are increasingly being asked to certify patients unfit for work in order to improve their social welfare entitlements.

Some of these requests are made “on dubious grounds” and create a dilemma for GPs, doctors attending the Irish Medical Organisation’s AGM in Killarney, Co Kerry, heard yesterday.