Literature concerning patterns of psychotropic prescribing and its causes is discussed before focusing on the relationship between geographical location and psychotropic drug prescribing. The association between tranquilliser prescribing and urban-rural location is investigated using data from general practices in two urban and two rural Family Practitioner Committee areas. Our findings indicate that in general, doctors in urban practices were more likely to prescribe tranquillisers than those in rural practices. However, the number of principals in the practices had an effect on tranquilliser prescribing which differed according to the urban-rural designation: in urban practices, tranquilliser prescribing increased with increasing number of principals, but the reverse was true in rural practices. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed and lines of further research suggested.