Nine million people prescribed antidepressants in England

The number of patients prescribed central nervous system stimulants and ADHD drugs rose by 31% between 2024/25 and 2025/26.

Person taking tablets out of a blister pack
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items saw a prescribing increase of 25% (Shutterstock)

More than nine million people in England were prescribed antidepressants over the last year, according to data from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).

The NHSBSA’s annual Medicines Used in Mental Health report, published on July 23, found that 96 million antidepressant items had...

Claudia Watson

Read more by Claudia Watson

Claudia joined C+D as a reporter in June 2026, after completing her MA in Magazine Journalism at City St George’s, where she specialised in health and science reporting. She has previously served as both a news and features editor, writing across health, lifestyle and wellness.

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