ONE IN FOUR FEMALES (26%) IN NORTHERN IRELAND RECEIVED ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATION DURING 2024/25
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over one fifth of the total population and an increase of 1.5% compared with 2023/24.
Approximately one in four females (26%) in Northern Ireland received antidepressant medication during 2024/25, compared to 16% of males. In the 45 to 64-year age bracket, 39.6% of females had received anti-depressants, with a peak of 24.9% of males, also in the 45 to 64 year-segment.
Furthermore, the data shows that residents in the most deprived areas were one and a half times more likely to be prescribed antidepressants than those in the least deprived areas. These figures paint a stark picture of the mental health challenges facing our communities and the critical role pharmacists play in supporting these patients, often as the most accessible healthcare professionals.
Infection control remains a key public health concern and the report notes that over one-third (36%) of the Northern Ireland population received at least one antibiotic prescription during 2024/25. This figure rose significantly to 67% for those aged 85 and above, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of antimicrobial stewardship, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Number of individuals receiving antibiotics by LGD, 2024/25
Proportion of population receiving anti-depressants by age and gender, 2024/25
The Enduring Value of Community Pharmacy The 2024/25 General Pharmaceutical Services report reinforces what we in the sector already know: community pharmacies are indispensable Despite a slight reduction in the overall number of premises, the sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, handling record-breaking
dispensing volumes and continuing to expand its role in service delivery.
The insights into prescribing patterns, demographic needs and the impact of deprivation provide a robust evidence base for future planning and resource allocation within the health service.
Source:
https://datavis.nisra.gov.uk/bso/fps-pharmacy-annual- report-24-25.html#
THE SECTOR HAS DEMONSTRATED REMARKABLE RESILIENCE, HANDLING RECORD- BREAKING DISPENSING VOLUMES AND CONTINUING TO EXPAND ITS ROLE IN SERVICE DELIVERY
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