26/09/2014

2.5m Anti-Depressant Prescriptions Written In 2013

More than 2.5 million prescriptions for anti-depressants were given out by doctors in Northern Ireland in 2013.

The figures have been revealed in a Freedom of Information request made to the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB).

They show that over 100 million anti-depressant tablets were prescribed, a 6% increase on 2012 and a 37% increase on 2009.

Reacting to the publication of the figures, the HSCB said it recognised that "much more" needs to be done to provide alternatives to drug therapy, adding that a reduction of the reliance on drug therapy was one of its "key objectives".

(MH/JP)

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