Record number of anti-depressants prescribed by NHS

The number of anti-depressant pills prescribed have doubled over the past 10 years. Credit: ITV Border

Latest figures from NHS Digital show the number of anti-depressant pills prescribed to patients have doubled over the past 10 years.

The NHS prescribed a record number of anti-depressants last year, raising questions about whether doctors are handing them out too freely, or if more patients are suffering from mental health problems - or both.

Watch as our reporter, Hannah McNulty, spoke to one man from our region, who says anti-depressants saved his life:

Dr Ajay Bedi explained how anti-depressants work to ITV Border, and whether counselling is an effective alternative treatment for depression:

Advice and information can be found on the NHS Carlisle and Carlisle Eden Mind websites.