Response to the HSCIC report on the rise of antidepressant prescriptions

Release Date: 30 July 2013

Source: Mental Health Foundation

Country: United Kingdom

Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, responds to Health & Social Care Information Centre's 'Prescriptions Dispensed in the Community England 2002-2012' report:

“This further rise in anti-depressant prescribing* is very worrying given massive Government investment in psychotherapy and the development of other alternative treatments for depression.

“It suggests not only that there may be an underlying rise in depression rates due to economic stress, but also that we need to do yet more to ensure that all GPs have access to alternative treatments that address the issues that cause depression.”