Anti-depressant use up by a quarter since credit crunch - Telegraph.co.uk

Other popular anti-depression drugs are amitriptyline HCL (8.8 million) and fluoxetine, known commonly as Prozac (5.2 million).

The most widely prescribed anti-anxiety drug is diazepam, also known by its brand name Valium (1.5 million).

Even the 49.8 million total could be an underestimate because it does not include some drugs that can be used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as propranolol hydrochloride, a beta-blocker.

Emer O'Neill, chief executive of Depression Alliance, said: "For some people depression just happens, but for others it is triggered by stressful events, for example losing a job, property or bereavement.

"These uncertain economic times are linked to an increase in the number of people with the illness."

She added: "However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as for every person diagnosed with depression there are many more who suffer in silence."

She said talking about feelings of depression, loneliness or isolation with friends, family or in support groups was "the first step to getting help".

"It is also important to speak to a healthcare professional such as your GP or pharmacist who can help you to find the best way forward," she said.

The figures, obtained from over 150 local health authorities by The Co-operative Pharmacy, show a relatively uniform increase across eight of England's 10 English strategic health authority regions, at between 22 and 26 per cent.

The highest rises were in the East Midlands (up 44 per cent) and the North East (up 29 per cent).

However, there is little evidence of a strong North-South divide from the figures. In the West Midlands the rise was only 25 per cent and in the North West only 22 per cent - the lowest increase of all.

Overall, the NHS has spent over £1 billion on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs between April 2007 and March 2011.

Despite the growing number of prescription items the annual cost has actually fallen, as commercial licenses on particular drugs have lapsed, enabling the NHS to buy more 'generic' versions that are cheaper.

The total bill in 2007-08 was £291,583,854 but that had dropped to £258,360,117 by 2010-11, a 12 per cent drop. The cost per item has fallen from £7.37 to £5.18, down 30 per cent.

Mandeep Mudhar, NHS business director, at The Co-operative Pharmacy, said: "Our research has shown that the NHS is getting greater value for money but worryingly prescription items have risen at an alarming rate, up 26 per cent in just four years.

"It is clear more people are seeking medical help to treat depression and anxiety."