January 10, 2008
by Chris George

ADHD prescriptions have risen by 20% over just one year in Scotland.

The number of GP prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication increased by 20.1% from 49,258 to 59,461 between 2005/06 and 2006/07, figures from Scotland’s Information Services Division revealed last month.

GP prescriptions of drugs for psychosis and related diagnoses increased by 7.1% from 626,185 to 670,842 items. Antipsychotic depot injections decreased by 2.9% to 11,292.

Prescribing of the two main antidepressant drugs - tricyclics and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors - increased by 1.6% and 5.8% respectively.

Antidepressant prescriptions have tripled in Scotland from 1.2 million to 3.65 million between 1993 and 2007

The ISD estimates 8.8% of the Scottish population aged 15 and over take antidepressants daily.

See also:
Nov 21, 2007: Government to consider review of ADHD causes and treatments - Lords statement made following peer's concerns over prescribing for ADHD

Read also: Psychiatric medication

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