Sufferers taking antidepressants up by 1 / 4 in final six years

The variety of individuals on anti-depressants in England has risen by practically 1 / 4 to eight.6 million in simply six years. And the amount of prescribed antidepressants soared by 46 p.c in the identical interval, as much as 86 million objects in 2022/23.

Observers mentioned the pressure of the pandemic and psychological well being companies’ wrestle to satisfy demand could partly clarify the rise. But they famous it is also encouraging news that extra persons are feeling capable of search assist.

Lucy Schonegevel, affiliate director on the Rethink Mental Illness charity, mentioned: “The nation’s mental health has been deeply impacted in recent years as we’ve ricocheted from a pandemic to a cost-of-living crisis.

“Antidepressants can have a life-saving impact, but they should be offered alongside a suite of other appropriate treatments, such as talking therapies.

“Too many children and adults struggle to access dedicated mental health support when they need it most. The Government must address this by providing services with the right level of funding.”

The complete of sufferers given antidepressants elevated by round 200,000 year-on-year, NHS knowledge launched yesterday confirmed. Prescriptions for antipsychotics, central nervous system stimulants, ADHD medicine and therapies for dementia additionally rose since 2021/22.

Of the 5 psychological well being drugs teams for which knowledge was printed, solely two recorded a drop – remedies to enhance sleep and to scale back anxiousness.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists mentioned there are complicated causes behind rising antidepressant use as they’re additionally used for pain-related circumstances.

A spokesman mentioned greater demand for help in recent times was “amplified” by the pandemic.

They added: “It’s important that everyone who needs care and treatment can access it. People who might be struggling with conditions like depression should discuss treatment options with a qualified practitioner, including the benefits, risks and side effects. Clinicians should also regularly review the use of antidepressants.

“We advise all those thinking of stopping their antidepressants to talk to their doctor first, as these medications should not be stopped abruptly.”

More particulars are on the RCP web site rcpsych.ac.uk

• One in 5 18 to 24-year-olds in England could have skilled extreme psychological misery because the begin of the pandemic, says a examine printed by the American Medical Association.