Scanlon: We must tackle SNP failure on anti-depressants

Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokeswoman, has condemned the SNP Government's failure to meet promised targets for tackling people's reliance on antidepressants.

Figures released today show that the number of pills dispensed for depression is at a record high of 4,658,708. In 1993 the figure was just 1.25 million.

11.3% of Scots over the age of 15 now take antidepressants on a daily basis.

Mary Scanlon MSP said:

"We can now see the effects of the SNP talking a good game but ultimately failing to deliver. Mental health remains a Cinderella service and as a result, reliance on antidepressants continues to soar. It is scandalous that more than 10% of people aged 15 and over, a figure which therefore includes many young people, are reliant on antidepressants.

"In 2007 the SNP promised development in counselling and talking therapies backed with ring-fenced funding. They also promised a 10% reduction in the use of antidepressants. This has not even come close to being delivered, as the number has in fact nearly trebled.

"Investment in mental health with early diagnosis and early intervention is critical to get patients the support and treatment they need - when they need it. Investment in mental health at the right time can save the NHS millions of pounds and enhance people's quality of life. Antidepressants are a sticking plaster on mental health issues, with no long-term healing qualities.

"One in three GP visits is for a mental health issue and up to 90% of prisoners and up to 70% people with a drug and alcohol addiction have an underlying mental health issue. Until we get to grips with the issue, these figures will only continue to get worse."

1) The SNP 2007 manifesto p.37 stated "An SNP government will support the development of mental health and wellbeing services, such as counselling and talking therapies, in each community health partnership area, backed with ring-fenced funding to health boards and local authorities. With this support we aim to reduce the use of antidepressants by 10 per cent by 2009".

2) Please click on the link for a summary of this year's figures http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/Publications/2011-09-27/2011-09-27-PrescribingMentalHealth-Summary.pdf?79063051940

3) Below is the question Mary Scanlon asked last year and the response she received:

S3W-34872 - Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con) (Date Lodged Friday, June 25, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have achieved the HEAT target to lower the prescribing rate of antidepressants by March 2010.

Answered by Shona Robison (Wednesday, July 21, 2010): Latest official statistics on the defined daily dose per capita for antidepressants, prescribed in Scotland that were dispensed by community pharmacists or dispensing doctors anywhere in the UK can be found on the ISDScotland website at:www.isdscotland.org/isd/3671.html

Information is presented by NHS board for financial years up to 2008-09. Provisional statistics for financial year 2009-10 are planned to be published on the 28 September 2010.

We do not anticipate that any NHS board will meet the target to level off the annual rate of increase of defined daily dose per capita of antidepressants which was due to be achieved by 31 March this year.

However, the HEAT target has driven a much better understanding of the issues that impact on anti-depressant prescribing across Scotland. As our understanding has improved, it has become clearer that we can not be sure that implementing evidence based prescribing behaviour will lead to a reduction in antidepressant usage. We have therefore reviewed the target and are committed to developing an access to psychological therapies target for inclusion in HEAT in 2011-12. We will continue to track antidepressant prescribing across Scotland to see what impact improving access to psychological therapies has on prescribing behaviour.

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