Drug use soars in Scotland

The number of drugs being prescribed for depression and dementia has soared in Scotland over the last few years as the country grapples with an ageing population and the global recession. Official figures estimate that 9.7% of people aged 15 and over take medication for depression with the total number of prescriptions rising to more than 4 million for the first time. The proportion of the Scottish population taking antidepressants has more than quadrupled over the last 15 years. Despite this the cost of the drugs fell from £40.4 million in 2007-8 to £35.8 million in 2008-9 as drug companies reduced their prices. The use of drugs for ADHD increased by 6.2% over the same period and the number of drugs for dementia rose by 13.2%. You can find out more about this issue at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/scotland/6818966/Recession-sees-antidepressant-use-soar.html