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health19h ago
Poor mental health care 'is forcing GPs to dish out pills'
- New NHS analysis shows antidepressant use varies by region, with higher rates in poorer areas.
- In the North East, about one in four people take antidepressants, versus London’s one in eight.
- Nationwide, roughly one in seven people take antidepressants, about nine million.
- Experts say limited NHS resources in poorer areas push GPs toward medication as immediate support.
- Clinicians urge more talking therapies and other treatment options where possible.
- The NHS saw rising demand for mental health services across England last year.
- The report ties medication use to access issues rather than ideal treatment choices.
- The data point to regional differences in prescribing beyond individual patient needs.
- The piece notes the North East faces higher demand with fewer immediate alternatives.
- Nine million people on antidepressants reflects a substantial national footprint.
- The NHS mental health service contact rose from 2.6 million a decade ago to 4.1 million last year.
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