How prescriptions have doubled
ONE in six adults takes antidepressants – after prescriptions doubled in the past decade.
Almost 71million prescriptions for the pills were handed out in 201 , compared with 36million a decade earlier.
More than seven million people in England were given a prescription for an antidepressant last year. Nearly one million have taken them continuously for at least three years.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week pledged more support to help patients get off the drugs, amid concerns of an over-medicalisation crisis. The Mail has been campaigning for greater recognition of the prescription drugs addiction crisis for two years.
The problem often arises when patients are given painkillers after an operation or antidepressants to cope with a bereavement. Some become hooked and have little support in breaking the habit.
Last week, a report by Public Health England revealed that one in four British adults is being prescribed potentially addictive drugs – including antidepressants and opioid pain medications.
Mr Hancock called the findings ‘alarming’ and warned that Britain was ‘in the grip of an over-medication crisis’ as he promised immediate action. He added: ‘I’m incredibly concerned by this new evidence about the impact over-medicalisation is having.’
An official review will call for a national helpline and for new guidelines on when doctors should intervene.