New data shows overreliance on antidepressants, says Mental Health Foundation

21 April 2009

In response to the release today of the Prescription Cost Analysis England 2008 from the NHS Information Centre Simon Lawton-Smith, Head of Policy for the Mental Health Foundation said:

“This data shows how over-reliant we’ve become on antidepressants, with a near doubling in the number of prescriptions in a decade.  Medication can be helpful for some people, but it is not the only or always the best answer.

“We need more choice for doctors and their patients, including psychological therapies, exercise schemes and social prescribing. At the moment GPs often want to provide these kind of alternatives but they are not available locally.

“It may be that more people are coming forward for treatment than previously, although the evidence suggests that mental health problems remain chronically undertreated.  We support the government’s scheme* to provide more psychological therapy in England as an important first step towards achieving a more balanced approach to treating mental health problems.”

ENDS

Notes:

* IAPT – Improving Access to Psychological Therapies

• The Prescription Cost Analysis England shows items dispensed in the community in England and listed alphabetically within chemical entity by therapeutic class,

• The total number of anti depressant prescriptions has increased by 95% since 1998 (18,424,473 to 35,960,500). (Sources, Prescription Cost Analyses 1998-2008)

• Their has been a 34% increase in SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, e.g. Prozac) prescriptions since 2004 – 14,312,000 to 19,456,600 (Sources, Prescription Cost Analyses, 2004 - 2008)

• GPs do want to prescribe alternatives but often don’t have the option.  Mental Health Foundation polling showed that the number of GPs using exercise as one of their top three treatments went up fourfold between 2005 and 2008 (from 5% to 22%), but that less than half had access to an exercise scheme at the time of the second poll.

• Table taken showing year on year increase in prescription items for antidepressants in total, and SSRIs:

(Sources, Prescription Cost Analysis 1998-2008)

For more information call the Mental Health Foundation press office 020 7803 1130/28 or email sloveland@mhf.org.uk

The Mental Health Foundation (www.mentalhealth.org.uk) uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness.  We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services. Registered Charity No: (England & Wales) 801130: (Scotland) SC 039714.

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