Rise in anti-depressant use linked to Covid restrictions: DUP MLA

The number of anti-depressant prescriptions dispensed during the Covid pandemic highlights the impact of the lockdown measures on people’s mental health, Christopher Stalford has said.
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New figures show that while there is already a generally upwards trend year on year, there was a sharp rise in prescribing during the first two months of restrictions in March and April, and another significant increase in June.

DUP MLA Mr Stalford said the latest data points to “loneliness and other pressures” impacting negatively on mental health.

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The number of anti-depressant prescriptions jumped from 275,000 during March 2019, to 381,000 in March 2020. The following month there were 342,000 issued, up from 279,000 the previous April.

DUP MLA Christopher Stalford. 
Picture: Arthur Allison.DUP MLA Christopher Stalford. 
Picture: Arthur Allison.
DUP MLA Christopher Stalford. Picture: Arthur Allison.

Figures are only available up to September last year, however, “everyone has acknowledged the further impact that Covid will have on this,” Mr Stalford said.

“These figures already point to that impact. Whilst the full data for 2020 will now have been published, it would seem inevitable that this trend will have extended into 2021 also.

“Indeed, anecdotal evidence would suggest that many people have found the lockdown since Christmas even more challenging and that could have a further impact.”

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Mr Stalford added: “The Executive has appointed a mental health champion, and I know the First Minister has regularly voiced concerns over the huge challenges we will face in coming years.

“Isolation, loneliness and the other pressures people have faced over recent months will have had a significant impact and we must all be aware that the impact of this will be with us for many years to come.”

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