Anti-depressants use on the rise in Britain

London: Soaring numbers of Britons are turning to anti-depressants and other pills to combat anxiety, figures show.

Last year nearly 50 million prescriptions were handed out, a rise of a quarter in the past four years.

The most commonly prescribed drugs include citalopram hydrobromide, amitriptyline, Prozac and diazepam.

Experts claim the rise has been partly triggered by job losses and financial woes caused by the economic crisis.

But others have also suggested that people are more inclined to seek out help as there is now less stigma attached to depression and anxiety-related disorders.

The figures were uncovered by the Co-operative Pharmacy based on results of Freedom of Information requests to 150 Primary Care Trusts in England.

They reveal that 49.86 million items were prescribed for depression or anxiety in 2010-2011, up from 39.55 million in 2007-2008.

But while the numbers handed out have gone up, the costs to the NHS have actually fallen as GPs are prescribing fewer brand-name drugs. Instead they are using so-called generic drugs, which are essentially the same as the label versions but much cheaper.

Last year the NHS spent £258.36 million on the drugs, down from £291.58 million, according to the figures.

Around a quarter of Britons are thought to suffer from some form of mental illness every year, although experts say most will not seek help from their GP or counsellors.

The most common forms are depression or anxiety disorders and they are often triggered by bereavement, marital breakdown or other emotional events.

Mandeep Mudhar, NHS business director at the Co-operative Pharmacy, said: "Our research has shown that the NHS is getting greater value for money but, worryingly, prescription items have risen at an alarming rate, up 26 per cent in just four years. It is clear more people are seeking medical help to treat depression and anxiety.

— Daily Mail