Patients taking antidepressants up by a quarter in last six years

The number of people on anti-depressants in England has risen by nearly a quarter to 8.6 million in just six years. And the volume of prescribed antidepressants soared by 46 percent in the same period, up to 86 million items in 2022/23.

Observers said the strain of the pandemic and mental health services’ struggle to meet demand may partly explain the rise. But they noted it could also be encouraging news that more people are feeling able to seek help.

Lucy Schonegevel, associate director at the Rethink Mental Illness charity, said: “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 total of patients given antidepressants increased by around 200,000 year-on-year, NHS data released yesterday showed. Prescriptions for antipsychotics, central nervous system stimulants, ADHD drugs and therapies for dementia also rose since 2021/22.

Of the five mental health medicine groups for which data was published, only two recorded a drop – treatments to improve sleep and to reduce anxiety.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists said there are complex reasons behind rising antidepressant use as they are also used for pain-related conditions.

A spokesman said higher demand for support in recent years 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 details are on the RCP website rcpsych.ac.uk

• One in five 18 to 24-year-olds in England may have experienced severe psychological distress since the start of the pandemic, says a study published by the American Medical Association.