17.10.12
Depression on the rise in England
The number of people with depression in England has increased by nearly half a million in just two years, new analysis of NHS data suggests.
The total number of people suffering from depression in 2010-11 stood at 4.7 million – up 11% since 2008-09, according to data analysis firm SSentif.
Prevalence varies across the country, and the largest county increase was found in Yorkshire and the Humber, where the numbers of people with depression increased by 19%.
Researchers suggest more people are affected by the condition as a result of job losses and the strains of the current economic climate. There has also been a significant rise in the number of prescriptions for anti-depressants, which are up a fifth since the mid 1990’s.
SSentif managing director Judy Aldred said: “Spending by primary care trusts on mental health has increased by 10% in the last three years while the prevalence of mental illness has increased by 14%. The real numbers are higher because many people do not seek help from their GP.”
Depression Alliance chief executive Emer O'Neill said: “We’re still at the tip of the iceberg of what the figure could be,” but added: “More people are coming forwards and they are coming forward because the level of support is better.”
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