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5 Live Investigates

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Adrian Goldberg presents cutting edge investigative journalism

Adrian Goldberg presents cutting edge investigative journalism, as well as taking on listeners' campaigns and consumer issues

5 Live Investigates: Antidepressants on the increase

12/02/2017

Antidepressants on the increase

BBC Radio 5 Live - 5 Live Investigates, Antidepressants on the increase

Huge rise in prescriptions for anti-depressants.

Prescriptions for anti-depressants in England have gone up seven per cent in the year to September 2016, according to figures seen by 5 live Investigates.

Prescriptions for antidepressants in England have gone up 7 per cent in the year to September 2016 according to figures seen by 5 live Investigates. 63 and a half million prescriptions were issued for the drugs - up four million on the year before and double the number a decade ago. The evidence shows that users are taking them for longer too. One in four people is now using them for 15 months. 20 years ago that was just eight months. There are also concerns that people are having to wait longer to access 'talking therapies' which can be used as well as or instead of antidepressants. The Department of Health says there's no evidence to suggest the rise in use of antidepressant medicines is linked to waiting times in talking therapies.They say they're exceeding the waiting times standard for this kind of treatment with almost 90% of people seen within 6 weeks.

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