England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Published 11 July 2024
Changes to these statistics
For this release, we have added supporting summary tables containing data presented by calendar year. These tables contain the same geographical and demographic breakdowns as the financial year tables.
We have also updated our methodology for assigning identified patients to gender groups. You can find more information in section 5.1: changes to this publication.
We are interested in any feedback about the publication, which you can send by using our Official Statistics feedback survey.Key findings
In 2023/24:
89 million antidepressant items were prescribed in 2023/24, to an estimated 8.7 million identified patients.
In 2023/24, items and identified patients both increased in 4 out of the 5 drug groups
4 out of the 5 drug groups had higher prescribing in the most deprived areas in England.
In 2023/24, there were increases in both the number of items and identified patients in 4 out of the 5 British National Formulary (BNF) sections covered in these statistics. This was the same as last year.
Antidepressant drugs were the BNF section with the largest number of items prescribed in 2023/24 at 89 million, an increase of 3.3% since 2022/23. It also had the largest number of identified patients, an increase of 2.1% to 8.7 million compared to 2022/23.
Prescribing of CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD increased for both adults and children since 2022/23. Adults rose by 28% to 150,000 identified patients, while children rose 9.9% to 120,000 identified patients in 2023/24.
In the past year, items in the drugs for dementia section increased by 5.8% to 4.5 million and identified patients increased by 5.6% to 310,000. It remained the only BNF section where prescribing was higher in the least deprived areas.
1. Things you should know
1.1 Scope
Background
The NHS Long Term Plan published in 2019 focuses on improving mental health care in the UK. It aims to provide more funding for mental health services, particularly for children and people with dementia. The Core20PLUS5 approach to reduce health inequalities also seeks to improve community care for those with severe mental illnesses.
This publication provides information on medicines used to treat mental health in England. It covers medicines prescribed in England that are then dispensed in the community in England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands. The publication does not include data on medicines used in hospitals, prisons or prescribed by private doctors.
The five sections of the British National Formulary (BNF) included in this publication cover medicines which are primarily used to treat anxiety, depression, psychosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dementia. We do not capture the clinical indication of a prescription, so there may be instances where these drugs are used for other conditions.
Medicines are not the only way to treat mental health conditions, and this publication does not capture information on the use of other mental health services, such as psychological therapies. Therefore, this publication may not give a complete picture of the number of people receiving treatment for mental health conditions. Information on where to find related statistics can be found in Section 4.
This summary narrative does not discuss the costs associated with the provision of these medicines, but this information is available in the supporting summary tables which accompany this release.
1.2. Definitions
Item
A single unit of medication listed separately on a prescription form. For example in this publication, an item might be listed as Fluoxetine 20mg tables x56, distinct from other medications that may be prescribed on the same form.
Patient
A unique NHS number captured from a prescription form or electronic prescription service (EPS) message.
Classification
This publication uses the British National Formulary (BNF), which lists medicines used in the UK and classifies them according to their primary therapeutic use. Medication may also be prescribed for medical conditions other than their primary use. For example, certain antidepressants may be recommended to individuals experiencing chronic pain. The NHSBSA does not capture the clinical indication of a prescription during processing.
1.3. Time periods
The data in this publication covers the period from April 2015 to March 2024. Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 refer to different 3-month financial quarters within the financial year. For example, financial year 2023/24 covers April 2023 to March 2024. Q1 is quarter 1 of 2023/24 and covers April to June 2023, while Q4 is quarter 4 and covers January to March 2024.
These statistics include the period of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A detailed timeline of events and restrictions in the UK during this time can be found on the UK parliament website. The impact of COVID-19 should be considered when comparing across time periods.
1.4. Patient identification
When the NHSBSA processes prescriptions it is not always possible to capture the NHS number of the patient. Table 1 shows the proportion of items for which a patient could be identified. This means that the data relating to patient counts represents most, but not all, patients.
Due to an increase in digital prescription processing through the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) during the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients were identified in 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 compared to previous years. As patient identification rates increased, any increases in the number of identified patients between periods are likely to be an overestimate of the actual increase in patient numbers. This is because the proportion of patients who could be identified has increased. Conversely, any decrease over the same period is likely to be an underestimate of the actual decrease.
Where patients are identified, to assign them to a single age band their age is calculated on the 30 September of the given financial year. For patients where date of birth has not been captured, they have been included in an unknown category.
Gender information was not available from PDS for a small number of patients in each year. This may be because it was not disclosed by the patient or not recorded by the organisation that collected the data.
These statistics do not include any information that is personally identifiable. You can find more information about how the NHSBSA protect personal information in the confidentiality and access statement.
Proportion of items in England for which an NHS number was recorded for listed BNF sections 2019/20 to 2023/24
Patient identification rates generally increased over time, but some BNF sections were unchanged in 2023/24
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - patient identification rates
2. Results and commentary
2.1. Antidepressants
Antidepressant drugs are effective for treating more severe depression, but National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance suggests antidepressant medication should not be initially offered for less severe depression, unless requested by the patient. If a patient with less severe depression has not requested medication, psychological therapy should be considered as a first line of treatment. However, a trial of antidepressant therapy may be considered in cases resistant to psychological treatments or associated with other problems. NICE has released updated guidance to recommend that adult patients who are stopping antidepressants should have their dose reduced in stages across time.
Antidepressant drugs are described in the BNF 68 section 4.3:
- BNF paragraph 4.3.1 - Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs
- BNF paragraph 4.3.2 - Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- BNF paragraph 4.3.3 - Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- BNF paragraph 4.3.4 - Other antidepressant drugs
89 million antidepressant items prescribed in 2023/24 to 8.7 million identified patients.
Items and identified patients increased in 3 out of 4 BNF paragraphs in 2023/24, but MAOIs continue to fall.
41% more patients received prescribing for antidepressants in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived.
Number of antidepressant items prescribed in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Chart
Figure 1: Items increased for most antidepressant drug groups in 2023/24
Table
Table 2: Items increased for most antidepressant drug groups in 2023/24
| Financial year | BNF paragraph name | Items |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 47,875 |
| 2015/2016 | Other antidepressant drugs | 12,495,320 |
| 2015/2016 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 33,306,765 |
| 2015/2016 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 16,053,926 |
| 2016/2017 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 44,910 |
| 2016/2017 | Other antidepressant drugs | 13,769,005 |
| 2016/2017 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 35,293,172 |
| 2016/2017 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 16,483,340 |
| 2017/2018 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 41,962 |
| 2017/2018 | Other antidepressant drugs | 14,905,106 |
| 2017/2018 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 36,734,903 |
| 2017/2018 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 16,597,452 |
| 2018/2019 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 40,481 |
| 2018/2019 | Other antidepressant drugs | 16,221,587 |
| 2018/2019 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 38,759,816 |
| 2018/2019 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 16,743,906 |
| 2019/2020 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 33,058 |
| 2019/2020 | Other antidepressant drugs | 17,803,377 |
| 2019/2020 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 41,321,842 |
| 2019/2020 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 17,171,523 |
| 2020/2021 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 19,948 |
| 2020/2021 | Other antidepressant drugs | 19,094,717 |
| 2020/2021 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 42,816,582 |
| 2020/2021 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 17,479,307 |
| 2021/2022 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 19,235 |
| 2021/2022 | Other antidepressant drugs | 20,398,860 |
| 2021/2022 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 45,046,407 |
| 2021/2022 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 17,973,626 |
| 2022/2023 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 19,085 |
| 2022/2023 | Other antidepressant drugs | 21,540,865 |
| 2022/2023 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 46,393,031 |
| 2022/2023 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 18,310,741 |
| 2023/2024 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 18,393 |
| 2023/2024 | Other antidepressant drugs | 22,884,463 |
| 2023/2024 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 47,468,038 |
| 2023/2024 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 18,760,688 |
| 2015/2016 | Total | 61,903,886 |
| 2016/2017 | Total | 65,590,427 |
| 2017/2018 | Total | 68,279,423 |
| 2018/2019 | Total | 71,765,790 |
| 2019/2020 | Total | 76,329,800 |
| 2020/2021 | Total | 79,410,554 |
| 2021/2022 | Total | 83,438,128 |
| 2022/2023 | Total | 86,263,722 |
| 2023/2024 | Total | 89,131,582 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Antidepressant drugs
In 2023/24 there were 89.1 million antidepressant items prescribed. This was 3.32% more than in 2022/23. Since 2015/16, items have increased every year for 3 out of the 4 antidepressant BNF paragraphs. The only paragraph with a decrease in items was MAOIs, which have decreased by 61.6% since 2015/16, down to 18,400 items in 2023/24.
Number of identified patients prescribed one or more antidepressant items in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Any patient who was prescribed items from more than one BNF paragraph is counted in the subtotal for each relevant paragraph. However, these patients have only been counted once in the BNF section totals for each relevant section. The total number of identified patients is therefore lower than if the totals for each paragraph are added together.
Chart
Figure 2: Identified patients have increased in most antidepressant drug groups since 2020/21
Table
Table 3: Identified patients have increased in most antidepressant drug groups since 2020/21
| Financial year | BNF paragraph name | Identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 2,310,507 |
| 2015/2016 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 4,260 |
| 2015/2016 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 4,263,762 |
| 2015/2016 | Other antidepressant drugs | 1,216,429 |
| 2016/2017 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 2,344,551 |
| 2016/2017 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 4,014 |
| 2016/2017 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 4,446,408 |
| 2016/2017 | Other antidepressant drugs | 1,325,342 |
| 2017/2018 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 2,321,521 |
| 2017/2018 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 3,784 |
| 2017/2018 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 4,588,498 |
| 2017/2018 | Other antidepressant drugs | 1,419,934 |
| 2018/2019 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 2,315,297 |
| 2018/2019 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 3,525 |
| 2018/2019 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 4,790,612 |
| 2018/2019 | Other antidepressant drugs | 1,532,745 |
| 2019/2020 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 2,318,639 |
| 2019/2020 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 3,090 |
| 2019/2020 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 4,977,793 |
| 2019/2020 | Other antidepressant drugs | 1,648,728 |
| 2020/2021 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 2,299,861 |
| 2020/2021 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 2,096 |
| 2020/2021 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 4,969,124 |
| 2020/2021 | Other antidepressant drugs | 1,711,333 |
| 2021/2022 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 2,393,974 |
| 2021/2022 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 1,745 |
| 2021/2022 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 5,278,522 |
| 2021/2022 | Other antidepressant drugs | 1,844,814 |
| 2022/2023 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 2,415,609 |
| 2022/2023 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 1,725 |
| 2022/2023 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 5,394,025 |
| 2022/2023 | Other antidepressant drugs | 1,953,043 |
| 2023/2024 | Tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs | 2,470,491 |
| 2023/2024 | Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (maois) | 1,647 |
| 2023/2024 | Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | 5,450,421 |
| 2023/2024 | Other antidepressant drugs | 2,082,737 |
| 2015/2016 | Total | 6,881,647 |
| 2016/2017 | Total | 7,147,694 |
| 2017/2018 | Total | 7,332,606 |
| 2018/2019 | Total | 7,590,802 |
| 2019/2020 | Total | 7,856,297 |
| 2020/2021 | Total | 7,909,516 |
| 2021/2022 | Total | 8,359,838 |
| 2022/2023 | Total | 8,563,148 |
| 2023/2024 | Total | 8,747,095 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Antidepressant drugs
An estimated 8.75 million identified patients were prescribed at least one antidepressant item in 2023/24. This was 2.15% more than 2022/23. Like items, identified patients have generally risen over time since 2015/16 for 3 out of the 4 BNF paragraphs.
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain the antidepressants BNF paragraph with the highest number of identified patients, at 5.45 million in 2023/24.
Number of items and identified patients for antidepressant prescribing in England, quarter 1 2015/16 to quarter 4 2023/24
Chart
Figure 3: Antidepressant items and identified patients generally increased in 2023/24 but items decreased in quarter 4
Table
Table 4: Antidepressant items and identified patients generally increased in 2023/24 but items decreased in quarter 4
| Financial quarter | BNF section name | Identified patients | Total prescribed items |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 Q1 | Antidepressant drugs | 4,812,563 | 14,971,483 |
| 2015/2016 Q2 | Antidepressant drugs | 4,875,553 | 15,348,553 |
| 2015/2016 Q3 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,035,921 | 15,993,672 |
| 2015/2016 Q4 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,091,219 | 15,590,178 |
| 2016/2017 Q1 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,151,752 | 16,173,546 |
| 2016/2017 Q2 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,169,530 | 16,300,783 |
| 2016/2017 Q3 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,222,982 | 16,640,022 |
| 2016/2017 Q4 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,309,377 | 16,476,076 |
| 2017/2018 Q1 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,317,023 | 16,725,739 |
| 2017/2018 Q2 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,366,184 | 16,941,956 |
| 2017/2018 Q3 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,443,476 | 17,385,475 |
| 2017/2018 Q4 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,493,156 | 17,226,253 |
| 2018/2019 Q1 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,529,785 | 17,563,724 |
| 2018/2019 Q2 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,556,838 | 17,686,602 |
| 2018/2019 Q3 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,669,656 | 18,397,002 |
| 2018/2019 Q4 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,753,591 | 18,118,462 |
| 2019/2020 Q1 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,788,791 | 18,507,726 |
| 2019/2020 Q2 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,832,018 | 18,856,277 |
| 2019/2020 Q3 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,919,423 | 19,333,450 |
| 2019/2020 Q4 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,017,303 | 19,632,347 |
| 2020/2021 Q1 | Antidepressant drugs | 5,894,233 | 19,214,498 |
| 2020/2021 Q2 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,023,075 | 19,567,297 |
| 2020/2021 Q3 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,176,699 | 20,450,562 |
| 2020/2021 Q4 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,286,793 | 20,178,197 |
| 2021/2022 Q1 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,337,207 | 20,508,291 |
| 2021/2022 Q2 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,376,089 | 20,771,230 |
| 2021/2022 Q3 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,448,688 | 21,161,896 |
| 2021/2022 Q4 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,544,641 | 20,996,711 |
| 2022/2023 Q1 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,545,996 | 21,243,030 |
| 2022/2023 Q2 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,564,326 | 21,439,869 |
| 2022/2023 Q3 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,610,742 | 21,727,730 |
| 2022/2023 Q4 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,720,513 | 21,853,093 |
| 2023/2024 Q1 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,708,775 | 21,858,760 |
| 2023/2024 Q2 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,758,276 | 22,197,027 |
| 2023/2024 Q3 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,818,402 | 22,558,686 |
| 2023/2024 Q4 | Antidepressant drugs | 6,884,614 | 22,517,109 |
Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - Antidepressant drugs
Antidepressant items and identified patients increased across the first 3 quarters of 2023/24. Despite a further rise in identified patients in January to March 2024, items decreased in this quarter to 22.5 million. This was only a small decrease of 0.18% from the previous quarter, but a 3.04% increase compared to the same quarter in 2022/23. Identified patients increased by 0.97% to 6.88 million in January to March 2024, compared to the previous quarter.
Number of identified patients prescribed antidepressant drugs by age band and gender, England 2023/24
The data used in this chart and table only includes identified patients where age and gender are known. The number of patients is the raw figure and has not been adjusted by the national population of the same age and gender group. When interpreting demographic information the underlying populations should also be considered.
Chart
Figure 4: More female patients were prescribed antidepressants than male patients in each age band
Table
Table 5: More female patients were prescribed antidepressants than male patients in each age band
| BNF section name | Age band | Patient gender | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antidepressant drugs | 00-04 | Female | 21 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 00-04 | Male | 11 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 05-09 | Female | 229 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 05-09 | Male | 407 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 10-14 | Female | 6,362 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 10-14 | Male | 4,824 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 15-19 | Female | 125,169 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 15-19 | Male | 51,243 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 20-24 | Female | 295,946 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 20-24 | Male | 137,544 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 25-29 | Female | 362,028 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 25-29 | Male | 186,798 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 30-34 | Female | 418,173 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 30-34 | Male | 227,641 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 35-39 | Female | 445,600 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 35-39 | Male | 240,951 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 40-44 | Female | 456,224 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 40-44 | Male | 251,713 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 45-49 | Female | 448,242 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 45-49 | Male | 249,365 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 50-54 | Female | 547,552 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 50-54 | Male | 300,101 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 55-59 | Female | 561,900 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 55-59 | Male | 307,516 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 60-64 | Female | 499,099 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 60-64 | Male | 281,472 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 65-69 | Female | 391,088 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 65-69 | Male | 219,541 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 70-74 | Female | 333,609 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 70-74 | Male | 180,275 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 75-79 | Female | 330,796 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 75-79 | Male | 169,120 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 80-84 | Female | 223,979 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 80-84 | Male | 106,755 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 85-89 | Female | 153,029 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 85-89 | Male | 65,642 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 90+ | Female | 98,578 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 90+ | Male | 31,743 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Antidepressant drugs
There were noticeable differences in prescribing between males and females in 2023/24, with 5.71 million female patients and 3.03 million male patients. More female patients than male patients have been prescribed antidepressants in every year since 2015/16.
Female patients aged 55 to 59 were the largest group across all age and gender groups. Of all identified patients with a known age and gender, 6.45% were female patients aged 55 to 59. This was followed by female patients aged 50 to 54 and female patients aged 60 to 64. The same age groups were the most common within male patients, though the number of patients was lower than the same female age groups.
Number of identified patients prescribed antidepressant drugs by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 5: More identified patients were prescribed antidepressants in the most deprived areas versus least deprived
Table
Table 6: More identified patients were prescribed antidepressants in the most deprived areas versus least deprived
| BNF section name | IMD quintile | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| Antidepressant drugs | 1 - Most Deprived | 2,189,984 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 2 | 1,912,049 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 3 | 1,781,017 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 4 | 1,683,857 |
| Antidepressant drugs | 5 - Least Deprived | 1,549,559 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Antidepressant drugs
There were 2.19 million identified patients receiving prescribing for antidepressants in the most deprived areas in England in 2023/24. This was 41.3% more than the least deprived areas. In each year since 2015/16, more people were prescribed antidepressant drugs in more deprived areas than in less deprived areas.
You can find more information about the English Indices of Deprivation in section 5 of this summary.
Number of identified patients prescribed antidepressant drugs per 1,000 population by Integrated Care Board (ICB), England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 6: The number of identified patients prescribed antidepressants per 1,000 population varied by ICB
Table
Table 7: The number of identified patients prescribed antidepressants per 1,000 population varied by ICB
| ICB name | ICB code | BNF section name | Patients per 1000 population |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QHM | Antidepressant drugs | 245.4 |
| NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QF7 | Antidepressant drugs | 233.7 |
| NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board | QMM | Antidepressant drugs | 232.3 |
| NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board | QYG | Antidepressant drugs | 222.7 |
| NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board | QJG | Antidepressant drugs | 222.7 |
| NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board | QJ2 | Antidepressant drugs | 219.9 |
| NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board | QJM | Antidepressant drugs | 219.1 |
| NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board | QT6 | Antidepressant drugs | 213.3 |
| NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board | QVV | Antidepressant drugs | 212.8 |
| NHS Devon Integrated Care Board | QJK | Antidepressant drugs | 211.5 |
| NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QE1 | Antidepressant drugs | 211.5 |
| NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board | QRL | Antidepressant drugs | 208.1 |
| NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board | QT1 | Antidepressant drugs | 207.2 |
| NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board | QOP | Antidepressant drugs | 202.5 |
| NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board | QGH | Antidepressant drugs | 202.0 |
| NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board | QSL | Antidepressant drugs | 201.4 |
| NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board | QNC | Antidepressant drugs | 200.9 |
| NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QOQ | Antidepressant drugs | 199.8 |
| NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board | QOC | Antidepressant drugs | 196.8 |
| NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QR1 | Antidepressant drugs | 196.6 |
| NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QWO | Antidepressant drugs | 192.3 |
| NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board | QNX | Antidepressant drugs | 187.9 |
| NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board | QOX | Antidepressant drugs | 186.1 |
| NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board | QH8 | Antidepressant drugs | 185.7 |
| NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board | QWU | Antidepressant drugs | 183.7 |
| NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board | QPM | Antidepressant drugs | 182.1 |
| NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QUY | Antidepressant drugs | 180.8 |
| NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board | QUE | Antidepressant drugs | 180.7 |
| NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board | QUA | Antidepressant drugs | 180.5 |
| NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board | QKS | Antidepressant drugs | 179.4 |
| NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board | QK1 | Antidepressant drugs | 172.6 |
| NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board | QHL | Antidepressant drugs | 167.6 |
| NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board | QU9 | Antidepressant drugs | 156.3 |
| NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board | QHG | Antidepressant drugs | 154.4 |
| NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board | QM7 | Antidepressant drugs | 153.6 |
| NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board | QNQ | Antidepressant drugs | 146.9 |
| NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board | QXU | Antidepressant drugs | 144.9 |
| NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board | QMJ | Antidepressant drugs | 133.8 |
| NHS South East London Integrated Care Board | QKK | Antidepressant drugs | 125.8 |
| NHS South West London Integrated Care Board | QWE | Antidepressant drugs | 120.7 |
| NHS North West London Integrated Care Board | QRV | Antidepressant drugs | 114.3 |
| NHS North East London Integrated Care Board | QMF | Antidepressant drugs | 112.6 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Antidepressant drugs | Office for National Statistics - ICB Mid-year population estimates
In 2023/24 NHS North East and Cumbria ICB had the highest rate of antidepressant prescribing. An estimated 245 identified patients per 1,000 population received at least one antidepressant item.
NHS North East London ICB had the lowest rate, with an estimated 113 identified patients per 1,000 population.
Prescribing in adults and children
Children are classed as patients aged 17 and under on 30 September for the given financial year.
Table 8: Number of child and adult patients prescribed antidepressants in England (millions of patients)
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Antidepressant drugs
There were 66,500 identified patients aged 17 or under who received antidepressant prescribing in 2023/24, a decrease of 6.71% from 2022/23. Of the total number of identified patients with a known age prescribed antidepressants in 2023/24, 0.76% were children. From 2022/23 to 2023/24 adult identified patients increased by 2.27% to 8.64 million.
2.2. Hypnotics and anxiolytics
Hypnotics are used to treat insomnia - a difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep long enough to feel refreshed. Most hypnotics will sedate if given during the day. Anxiolytics are used in the treatment of anxiety states and if given at night will help to induce sleep. The drugs classified as hypnotics and anxiolytics are described in the BNF 68 section 4.1:
- BNF paragraph 4.1.1 - Hypnotics
- BNF paragraph 4.1.2 - Anxiolytics
- BNF paragraph 4.1.3 - Barbiturates
- BNF paragraph 4.1.4 - Other hypnotics and anxiolytics
14 million hypnotics and anxiolytics items prescribed in 2023/24 to 1.9 million identified patients.
Barbiturates items have decreased by 90% since 2015/16.
More female patients were prescribed a hypnotics and anxiolytics item than male patients in 2023/24.
Number of hypnotics and anxiolytics items prescribed in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Chart
Figure 7: The total number of hypnotics and anxiolytics items continued to fall in 2023/24
Table
Table 9: The total number of hypnotics and anxiolytics items continued to fall in 2023/24
| Financial year | BNF paragraph name | Items |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | Anxiolytics | 6,773,008 |
| 2015/2016 | Barbiturates | 5,509 |
| 2015/2016 | Hypnotics | 9,171,146 |
| 2016/2017 | Anxiolytics | 6,759,144 |
| 2016/2017 | Barbiturates | 4,393 |
| 2016/2017 | Hypnotics | 9,008,062 |
| 2017/2018 | Anxiolytics | 6,571,159 |
| 2017/2018 | Barbiturates | 3,764 |
| 2017/2018 | Hypnotics | 8,679,806 |
| 2018/2019 | Anxiolytics | 6,410,884 |
| 2018/2019 | Barbiturates | 3,238 |
| 2018/2019 | Hypnotics | 8,446,490 |
| 2019/2020 | Anxiolytics | 6,329,256 |
| 2019/2020 | Barbiturates | 2,524 |
| 2019/2020 | Hypnotics | 8,309,953 |
| 2020/2021 | Anxiolytics | 6,060,834 |
| 2020/2021 | Barbiturates | 1,902 |
| 2020/2021 | Hypnotics | 8,247,253 |
| 2021/2022 | Anxiolytics | 5,912,500 |
| 2021/2022 | Barbiturates | 1,410 |
| 2021/2022 | Hypnotics | 8,127,529 |
| 2022/2023 | Anxiolytics | 5,806,143 |
| 2022/2023 | Barbiturates | 742 |
| 2022/2023 | Hypnotics | 7,960,261 |
| 2023/2024 | Anxiolytics | 5,607,023 |
| 2023/2024 | Barbiturates | 539 |
| 2023/2024 | Hypnotics | 7,910,723 |
| 2023/2024 | Other hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,554 |
| 2015/2016 | Total | 15,949,663 |
| 2016/2017 | Total | 15,771,599 |
| 2017/2018 | Total | 15,254,729 |
| 2018/2019 | Total | 14,860,612 |
| 2019/2020 | Total | 14,641,733 |
| 2020/2021 | Total | 14,309,989 |
| 2021/2022 | Total | 14,041,439 |
| 2022/2023 | Total | 13,767,146 |
| 2023/2024 | Total | 13,519,839 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Hypnotics and anxiolytics
In 2023/24 there were 13.5 million hypnotic and anxiolytic items prescribed, 1.80% less than in 2022/23. Items have decreased each year since 2015/16 across the BNF paragraphs for hypnotics, anxiolytics, and barbituates.
In 2023/24, there were 1,550 items prescribed from BNF paragraph other hypnotics and anxiolytics, the first time this paragraph has been represented in the data. All of these items were the chemical substance Daridorexant.
Barbituates items have fallen by 90.2% since 2015/16 to 539 items in 2023/24.
Number of identified patients prescribed one or more hypnotics and anxiolytics items in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Any patient who was prescribed items from more than one BNF paragraph is counted in the subtotal for each relevant paragraph. However, these patients have only been counted once in the BNF section totals for each relevant section. The total number of identified patients is therefore lower than if the totals for each paragraph are added together.
Chart
Figure 8: The overall decrease in identified patients for hypnotics and anxiolytics has slowed since 2021/22
Table
Table 10: The overall decrease in identified patients for hypnotics and anxiolytics has slowed since 2021/22
| Financial year | BNF paragraph name | Identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | Hypnotics | 1,314,288 |
| 2015/2016 | Anxiolytics | 1,308,638 |
| 2015/2016 | Barbiturates | 337 |
| 2016/2017 | Hypnotics | 1,296,228 |
| 2016/2017 | Anxiolytics | 1,325,608 |
| 2016/2017 | Barbiturates | 289 |
| 2017/2018 | Hypnotics | 1,246,296 |
| 2017/2018 | Anxiolytics | 1,279,536 |
| 2017/2018 | Barbiturates | 239 |
| 2018/2019 | Hypnotics | 1,203,190 |
| 2018/2019 | Anxiolytics | 1,240,218 |
| 2018/2019 | Barbiturates | 195 |
| 2019/2020 | Hypnotics | 1,161,716 |
| 2019/2020 | Anxiolytics | 1,189,251 |
| 2019/2020 | Barbiturates | 161 |
| 2020/2021 | Hypnotics | 1,140,729 |
| 2020/2021 | Anxiolytics | 1,037,211 |
| 2020/2021 | Barbiturates | 121 |
| 2021/2022 | Hypnotics | 1,108,541 |
| 2021/2022 | Anxiolytics | 1,035,942 |
| 2021/2022 | Barbiturates | 74 |
| 2022/2023 | Hypnotics | 1,080,831 |
| 2022/2023 | Anxiolytics | 1,025,529 |
| 2022/2023 | Barbiturates | 44 |
| 2023/2024 | Hypnotics | 1,086,368 |
| 2023/2024 | Anxiolytics | 963,844 |
| 2023/2024 | Barbiturates | 29 |
| 2023/2024 | Other hypnotics and anxiolytics | 892 |
| 2015/2016 | Total | 2,400,016 |
| 2016/2017 | Total | 2,399,103 |
| 2017/2018 | Total | 2,315,121 |
| 2018/2019 | Total | 2,243,280 |
| 2019/2020 | Total | 2,160,534 |
| 2020/2021 | Total | 1,993,511 |
| 2021/2022 | Total | 1,973,818 |
| 2022/2023 | Total | 1,936,934 |
| 2023/2024 | Total | 1,896,610 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Hypnotics and anxiolytics
There were an estimated 1.9 million identified patients prescribed at least one hypnotics and anxiolytics item in 2023/24. This was 2.08% less than 2022/23. Identified patients show a similar downward trend to items and have generally decreased over time since 2015/16. However, BNF paragraph hypnotics increased by 0.51% in 2023/24 to 1.09 million identified patients.
Number of items and identified patients for hypnotics and anxiolytics prescribing in England, quarter 1 2015/16 to quarter 4 2023/24
Chart
Figure 9: Hypnotics and anxiolytics items fell in quarter 4 2023/24, while identified patients slightly increased
Table
Table 11: Hypnotics and anxiolytics items fell in quarter 4 2023/24, while identified patients slightly increased
| Financial quarter | BNF section name | Identified patients | Total prescribed items |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 Q1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,203,451 | 3,938,222 |
| 2015/2016 Q2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,224,252 | 4,002,426 |
| 2015/2016 Q3 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,245,359 | 4,082,960 |
| 2015/2016 Q4 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,238,709 | 3,926,055 |
| 2016/2017 Q1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,226,654 | 3,958,133 |
| 2016/2017 Q2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,229,174 | 3,958,887 |
| 2016/2017 Q3 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,213,058 | 3,961,356 |
| 2016/2017 Q4 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,232,083 | 3,893,223 |
| 2017/2018 Q1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,185,559 | 3,822,215 |
| 2017/2018 Q2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,199,358 | 3,827,160 |
| 2017/2018 Q3 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,186,301 | 3,845,351 |
| 2017/2018 Q4 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,179,785 | 3,760,003 |
| 2018/2019 Q1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,148,153 | 3,706,783 |
| 2018/2019 Q2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,152,787 | 3,700,350 |
| 2018/2019 Q3 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,158,804 | 3,785,328 |
| 2018/2019 Q4 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,157,862 | 3,668,151 |
| 2019/2020 Q1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,125,241 | 3,640,560 |
| 2019/2020 Q2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,126,255 | 3,657,847 |
| 2019/2020 Q3 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,120,400 | 3,692,182 |
| 2019/2020 Q4 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,119,609 | 3,651,144 |
| 2020/2021 Q1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,051,331 | 3,555,990 |
| 2020/2021 Q2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,056,392 | 3,538,597 |
| 2020/2021 Q3 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,089,574 | 3,651,053 |
| 2020/2021 Q4 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,103,955 | 3,564,349 |
| 2021/2022 Q1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,046,960 | 3,485,720 |
| 2021/2022 Q2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,061,476 | 3,519,276 |
| 2021/2022 Q3 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,068,587 | 3,548,166 |
| 2021/2022 Q4 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,084,103 | 3,488,277 |
| 2022/2023 Q1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,047,758 | 3,449,160 |
| 2022/2023 Q2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,047,028 | 3,440,946 |
| 2022/2023 Q3 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,038,645 | 3,436,883 |
| 2022/2023 Q4 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,059,630 | 3,440,157 |
| 2023/2024 Q1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,025,432 | 3,356,373 |
| 2023/2024 Q2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,039,821 | 3,389,972 |
| 2023/2024 Q3 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,031,403 | 3,401,783 |
| 2023/2024 Q4 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1,039,244 | 3,371,711 |
Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - Hypnotics and anxiolytics
Hypnotics and anxiolytics items and identified patients showed little change across all 4 quarters of 2023/24. Items decreased by 0.88% from 3.40 million in Q3 to 3.37 million in Q4. Identified patients increased from 1.03 million in Q3 2023/24 to 1.04 million in Q4, a rise of 0.76%. Identified patients and items were both lower when compared to the same quarters in 2022/23.
Number of identified patients prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics drugs by age band and gender, England 2023/24
The data used in this chart and table only includes identified patients where age and gender are known. The number of patients is the raw figure and has not been adjusted by the national population of the same age and gender group. When interpreting demographic information the underlying populations should also be considered.
Chart
Figure 10: More female patients prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics than male patients
Table
Table 12: More female patients prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics than male patients
| BNF section name | Age band | Patient gender | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 00-04 | Female | 3,041 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 00-04 | Male | 5,900 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 05-09 | Female | 13,272 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 05-09 | Male | 29,018 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 10-14 | Female | 21,554 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 10-14 | Male | 45,576 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 15-19 | Female | 25,790 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 15-19 | Male | 30,534 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 20-24 | Female | 29,287 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 20-24 | Male | 20,656 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 25-29 | Female | 43,279 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 25-29 | Male | 26,590 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 30-34 | Female | 61,450 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 30-34 | Male | 37,400 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 35-39 | Female | 73,868 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 35-39 | Male | 43,874 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 40-44 | Female | 81,937 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 40-44 | Male | 49,715 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 45-49 | Female | 82,006 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 45-49 | Male | 50,767 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 50-54 | Female | 96,517 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 50-54 | Male | 59,943 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 55-59 | Female | 99,788 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 55-59 | Male | 62,110 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 60-64 | Female | 92,046 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 60-64 | Male | 57,802 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 65-69 | Female | 77,599 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 65-69 | Male | 48,814 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 70-74 | Female | 78,551 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 70-74 | Male | 47,992 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 75-79 | Female | 89,091 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 75-79 | Male | 52,196 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 80-84 | Female | 68,132 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 80-84 | Male | 38,704 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 85-89 | Female | 51,460 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 85-89 | Male | 27,708 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 90+ | Female | 41,282 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 90+ | Male | 16,802 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Hypnotics and anxiolytics
The number of hypnotics and anxiolytics patients differed in prescribing between males and females, continuing the pattern from previous years. In 2023/24 there were 1.13 million female patients and 761,000 male patients.
Female patients aged 55 to 59 were the largest group across all age and gender groups at 5.30% of all identified patients. This was followed by female patients aged 50 to 54, then female patients aged 60 to 64. The same age groups were the most common within male patients, but there were more male patients than female patients in the youngest age groups. This pattern was present up to the 15 to 19 year old age group. All age groups older than this had more female patients than male patients.
Number of identified patients prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics drugs by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 11: The most deprived areas had more identified patients prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics
Table
Table 13: The most deprived areas had more identified patients prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics
| BNF section name | IMD quintile | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 1 - Most Deprived | 421,071 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 2 | 397,860 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 3 | 392,644 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 4 | 373,936 |
| Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 5 - Least Deprived | 361,400 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Hypnotics and anxiolytics
There were an estimated 421,000 identified patients who were prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics in the most deprived areas in England in 2023/24. This was 16.5% more than the 361,000 identified patients from in the least deprived areas. In general, more people were prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics medicines in more deprived areas in 2023/24, a consistent pattern since 2015/16.
You can find more information about the English Indices of Deprivation in section 5 of this summary.
Number of identified patients prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics drugs per 1,000 population by ICB, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 12: The number of identified patients prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics per 1,000 population varied by ICB
Table
Table 14: The number of identified patients prescribed hypnotics and anxiolytics per 1,000 population varied by ICB
| ICB name | ICB code | BNF section name | Patients per 1000 population |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Devon Integrated Care Board | QJK | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 52.3 |
| NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board | QYG | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 51.3 |
| NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board | QJG | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 50.5 |
| NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board | QT6 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 50.2 |
| NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board | QNX | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 50.2 |
| NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board | QGH | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 49.9 |
| NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board | QJM | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 49.0 |
| NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board | QJ2 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 48.3 |
| NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QR1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 46.8 |
| NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board | QVV | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 46.3 |
| NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board | QMM | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 45.6 |
| NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board | QXU | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 44.4 |
| NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board | QOX | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 43.6 |
| NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board | QOC | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 41.2 |
| NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board | QSL | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 41.2 |
| NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board | QWU | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 40.8 |
| NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board | QHG | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 39.9 |
| NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board | QK1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 39.9 |
| NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board | QH8 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 39.9 |
| NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board | QRL | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 39.7 |
| NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board | QUA | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 38.4 |
| NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board | QNC | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 38.1 |
| NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board | QPM | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 37.2 |
| NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board | QKS | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 36.9 |
| NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board | QMJ | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 36.9 |
| NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QF7 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 35.2 |
| NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QUY | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 35.0 |
| NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board | QUE | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 34.9 |
| NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board | QNQ | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 34.6 |
| NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board | QOP | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 34.0 |
| NHS South West London Integrated Care Board | QWE | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 33.7 |
| NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board | QM7 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 33.3 |
| NHS North West London Integrated Care Board | QRV | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 32.5 |
| NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board | QHL | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 32.3 |
| NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QE1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 32.2 |
| NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board | QT1 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 32.0 |
| NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board | QU9 | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 31.4 |
| NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QOQ | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 31.3 |
| NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QWO | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 28.9 |
| NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QHM | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 28.5 |
| NHS North East London Integrated Care Board | QMF | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 25.6 |
| NHS South East London Integrated Care Board | QKK | Hypnotics and anxiolytics | 25.1 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Hypnotics and anxiolytics | Office for National Statistics - ICB Mid-year population estimates
NHS Devon ICB had the highest highest estimated number of identified patients in 2023/24 who received at least one hypnotics and anxiolytics item per 1,000 residents. There were an estimated 52 patients per 1,000 population in this ICB.
NHS South East London ICB had the lowest estimated number of identified patients who received at least one hypnotics and anxiolytics item per 1,000 residents in 2023/24. This ICB had an estimated 25 patients per 1,000 population and was unchanged from 2022/23.
2.3. Antipsychotics
These drugs are used to treat psychoses and related disorders, and are referred to under the umbrella term antipsychotics. These drugs are classified and described under the BNF 68 section 4.2:
- BNF paragraph 4.2.1 - Antipsychotic drugs
- BNF paragraph 4.2.2 - Antipsychotic depot injections
- BNF paragraph 4.2.3 - Drugs for mania and hypomania
14 million antipsychotic items prescribed in 2023/24 to 860,000 identified patients.
Identified patients increased in all 4 quarters of 2023/24 but items decreased slightly in quarter 4.
Twice as many identified patients were prescribed antipsychotics in 2023/24 in the most deprived areas versus the least deprived.
Number of antipsychotics items prescribed in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Chart
Figure 13: Antipsychotic drugs items increased but items in other antipsychotics paragraphs decreased in 2023/24
Table
Table 15: Antipsychotic drugs items increased but items in other antipsychotics paragraphs decreased in 2023/24
| Financial year | BNF paragraph name | Items |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 155,128 |
| 2015/2016 | Antipsychotic drugs | 9,386,161 |
| 2015/2016 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 1,492,070 |
| 2016/2017 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 150,762 |
| 2016/2017 | Antipsychotic drugs | 9,892,438 |
| 2016/2017 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 1,503,076 |
| 2017/2018 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 146,047 |
| 2017/2018 | Antipsychotic drugs | 10,243,055 |
| 2017/2018 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 1,490,326 |
| 2018/2019 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 139,791 |
| 2018/2019 | Antipsychotic drugs | 10,548,263 |
| 2018/2019 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 1,467,441 |
| 2019/2020 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 132,466 |
| 2019/2020 | Antipsychotic drugs | 11,003,376 |
| 2019/2020 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 1,474,577 |
| 2020/2021 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 125,468 |
| 2020/2021 | Antipsychotic drugs | 11,464,817 |
| 2020/2021 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 1,427,057 |
| 2021/2022 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 120,132 |
| 2021/2022 | Antipsychotic drugs | 11,700,858 |
| 2021/2022 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 1,386,963 |
| 2022/2023 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 115,578 |
| 2022/2023 | Antipsychotic drugs | 11,886,145 |
| 2022/2023 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 1,377,537 |
| 2023/2024 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 114,493 |
| 2023/2024 | Antipsychotic drugs | 12,090,992 |
| 2023/2024 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 1,362,573 |
| 2015/2016 | Total | 11,033,359 |
| 2016/2017 | Total | 11,546,276 |
| 2017/2018 | Total | 11,879,428 |
| 2018/2019 | Total | 12,155,495 |
| 2019/2020 | Total | 12,610,419 |
| 2020/2021 | Total | 13,017,342 |
| 2021/2022 | Total | 13,207,953 |
| 2022/2023 | Total | 13,379,260 |
| 2023/2024 | Total | 13,568,058 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders
In 2023/24 there were 13.6 million antipsychotic items prescribed, a 1.41% increase from 2022/23. The overall increase was driven by a 1.72% rise in items in BNF paragraph antipsychotic drugs. The other 2 paragraphs in this section decreased from 2022/23 to 2023/24. Antipsychotic depot injections decreased by 0.94% and drugs used for mania and hypomania decreased by 1.09%.
Number of identified patients prescribed one or more antipsychotics items in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Any patient who was prescribed items from more than one BNF paragraph is counted in the subtotal for each relevant paragraph. However, these patients have only been counted once in the BNF section totals for each relevant section. The total number of identified patients is therefore lower than if the totals for each paragraph are added together.
Chart
Figure 14: Identified patients prescribed antipsychotics increased in 2023/24, but only in BNF paragraph antipsychotic drugs
Table
Table 16: Identified patients prescribed antipsychotics increased in 2023/24, but only in BNF paragraph antipsychotic drugs
| Financial year | BNF paragraph name | Identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | Antipsychotic drugs | 664,699 |
| 2015/2016 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 18,188 |
| 2015/2016 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 84,403 |
| 2016/2017 | Antipsychotic drugs | 695,151 |
| 2016/2017 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 17,858 |
| 2016/2017 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 83,268 |
| 2017/2018 | Antipsychotic drugs | 719,256 |
| 2017/2018 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 16,566 |
| 2017/2018 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 81,320 |
| 2018/2019 | Antipsychotic drugs | 732,737 |
| 2018/2019 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 15,785 |
| 2018/2019 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 78,892 |
| 2019/2020 | Antipsychotic drugs | 756,245 |
| 2019/2020 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 14,756 |
| 2019/2020 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 77,533 |
| 2020/2021 | Antipsychotic drugs | 807,110 |
| 2020/2021 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 13,695 |
| 2020/2021 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 74,955 |
| 2021/2022 | Antipsychotic drugs | 799,965 |
| 2021/2022 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 13,000 |
| 2021/2022 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 72,493 |
| 2022/2023 | Antipsychotic drugs | 810,156 |
| 2022/2023 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 12,741 |
| 2022/2023 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 71,324 |
| 2023/2024 | Antipsychotic drugs | 823,367 |
| 2023/2024 | Antipsychotic depot injections | 12,462 |
| 2023/2024 | Drugs used for mania and hypomania | 69,449 |
| 2015/2016 | Total | 715,166 |
| 2016/2017 | Total | 744,476 |
| 2017/2018 | Total | 766,806 |
| 2018/2019 | Total | 778,648 |
| 2019/2020 | Total | 800,700 |
| 2020/2021 | Total | 849,605 |
| 2021/2022 | Total | 840,819 |
| 2022/2023 | Total | 850,219 |
| 2023/2024 | Total | 862,145 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders
An estimated 862,000 identified patients were prescribed at least one antipsychotic item in 2023/24, a 1.40% increase from 2022/23. Identified patients have increased over time since 2015/16 to 2023/24, and show a similar upward trend to items.
Number of items and identified patients for antipsychotics prescribing in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Chart
Figure 15: Identified patients prescribed antipsychotics increased in each quarter of 2023/24, but items fell in quarter 4
Table
Table 17: Identified patients prescribed antipsychotics increased in each quarter of 2023/24, but items fell in quarter 4
| Financial quarter | BNF section name | Identified patients | Total prescribed items |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 Q1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 529,808 | 2,688,743 |
| 2015/2016 Q2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 535,945 | 2,755,336 |
| 2015/2016 Q3 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 545,945 | 2,839,301 |
| 2015/2016 Q4 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 549,104 | 2,749,979 |
| 2016/2017 Q1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 554,930 | 2,843,973 |
| 2016/2017 Q2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 558,390 | 2,873,758 |
| 2016/2017 Q3 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 566,542 | 2,937,387 |
| 2016/2017 Q4 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 571,997 | 2,891,158 |
| 2017/2018 Q1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 571,174 | 2,922,808 |
| 2017/2018 Q2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 575,850 | 2,969,740 |
| 2017/2018 Q3 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 582,390 | 3,014,157 |
| 2017/2018 Q4 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 586,373 | 2,972,723 |
| 2018/2019 Q1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 583,046 | 2,996,976 |
| 2018/2019 Q2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 584,945 | 3,013,938 |
| 2018/2019 Q3 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 593,049 | 3,113,488 |
| 2018/2019 Q4 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 595,676 | 3,031,093 |
| 2019/2020 Q1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 595,439 | 3,087,482 |
| 2019/2020 Q2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 599,846 | 3,140,771 |
| 2019/2020 Q3 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 608,453 | 3,204,568 |
| 2019/2020 Q4 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 614,776 | 3,177,598 |
| 2020/2021 Q1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 631,117 | 3,247,389 |
| 2020/2021 Q2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 619,583 | 3,210,215 |
| 2020/2021 Q3 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 633,407 | 3,318,762 |
| 2020/2021 Q4 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 636,869 | 3,240,976 |
| 2021/2022 Q1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 631,196 | 3,270,660 |
| 2021/2022 Q2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 635,639 | 3,308,719 |
| 2021/2022 Q3 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 640,773 | 3,340,091 |
| 2021/2022 Q4 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 641,750 | 3,288,483 |
| 2022/2023 Q1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 638,148 | 3,318,395 |
| 2022/2023 Q2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 637,851 | 3,328,319 |
| 2022/2023 Q3 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 646,987 | 3,378,002 |
| 2022/2023 Q4 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 650,675 | 3,354,544 |
| 2023/2024 Q1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 646,318 | 3,343,765 |
| 2023/2024 Q2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 649,457 | 3,388,112 |
| 2023/2024 Q3 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 656,267 | 3,430,522 |
| 2023/2024 Q4 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 658,679 | 3,405,659 |
Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders
In 2023/24, the number of identified patients prescribed antipsychotics increased across all 4 quarters. Items increased across the first 3 quarters until Q4 where they fell by 0.72% to 3.41 million. Despite this small decrease in Q4, identified patients and items were both higher than the same quarter in 2022/23.
Number of identified patients prescribed antipsychotics drugs by age band and gender, England 2023/24
The data used in this chart and table only includes identified patients where age and gender are known. The number of patients is the raw figure and has not been adjusted by the national population of the same age and gender group. When interpreting demographic information the underlying populations should also be considered.
Chart
Figure 16: More female patients prescribed antipsychotics than male patients in most age bands
Table
Table 18: More female patients prescribed antipsychotics than male patients in most age bands
| BNF section name | Age band | Patient gender | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 00-04 | Female | 157 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 00-04 | Male | 185 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 05-09 | Female | 195 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 05-09 | Male | 412 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 10-14 | Female | 989 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 10-14 | Male | 1,859 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 15-19 | Female | 7,755 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 15-19 | Male | 6,185 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 20-24 | Female | 18,075 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 20-24 | Male | 14,214 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 25-29 | Female | 24,755 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 25-29 | Male | 21,175 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 30-34 | Female | 28,880 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 30-34 | Male | 27,021 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 35-39 | Female | 30,662 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 35-39 | Male | 29,711 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 40-44 | Female | 31,500 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 40-44 | Male | 32,048 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 45-49 | Female | 30,725 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 45-49 | Male | 31,827 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 50-54 | Female | 35,927 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 50-54 | Male | 36,555 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 55-59 | Female | 37,709 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 55-59 | Male | 36,188 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 60-64 | Female | 34,164 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 60-64 | Male | 31,478 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 65-69 | Female | 28,111 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 65-69 | Male | 24,668 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 70-74 | Female | 26,387 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 70-74 | Male | 22,330 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 75-79 | Female | 30,902 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 75-79 | Male | 24,438 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 80-84 | Female | 29,359 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 80-84 | Male | 20,813 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 85-89 | Female | 29,897 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 85-89 | Male | 18,439 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 90+ | Female | 38,731 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 90+ | Male | 15,878 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders
There were 466,000 female patients and 396,000 male patients who received at least one antipsychotics item in 2023/24. The differences between female patients and male patients were smaller than some of the other BNF sections in this publication.
Female patients aged 90+ were the largest group across all age and gender groups for the second year in a row. This group was 4.50% of all identified patients with a known age and gender. The second largest group in 2023/24 was female patients aged 55 to 59, which was 4.38% of all identified patients with known age and gender. This was followed by male patients aged 50 to 54 at 4.25%.
Number of identified patients prescribed antipsychotics drugs by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 17: More antipsychotics patients in the most deprived areas versus the least deprived areas
Table
Table 19: More antipsychotics patients in the most deprived areas versus the least deprived areas
| BNF section name | IMD quintile | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 1 - Most Deprived | 251,897 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 2 | 207,812 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 3 | 175,477 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 4 | 147,843 |
| Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 5 - Least Deprived | 125,963 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders
The most deprived areas in England had an estimated 252,000 identified patients prescribed antipsychotic items in 2023/24. This was almost twice as many as the estimated 126,000 patients prescribed antipsychotic items in the least deprived areas. In general, more people were prescribed antipsychotics in more deprived areas in 2023/24, a pattern that has been present since 2015/16.
You can find more information about the English Indices of Deprivation in section 5 of this summary.
Number of identified patients prescribed antipsychotics drugs per 1,000 population by ICB, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 18: The number of identified patients prescribed antipsychotics per 1,000 population varied by ICB
Table
Table 20: The number of identified patients prescribed antipsychotics per 1,000 population varied by ICB
| ICB name | ICB code | BNF section name | Patients per 1000 population |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board | QMM | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 26.2 |
| NHS Devon Integrated Care Board | QJK | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 22.8 |
| NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board | QUA | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 21.9 |
| NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board | QJG | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 21.9 |
| NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board | QRL | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 21.7 |
| NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board | QNX | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 20.8 |
| NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board | QHL | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 20.3 |
| NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board | QJM | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 20.3 |
| NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board | QWU | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 19.8 |
| NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board | QYG | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 19.6 |
| NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board | QJ2 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 19.1 |
| NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board | QMJ | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 19.1 |
| NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QR1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 18.4 |
| NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board | QVV | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 18.2 |
| NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board | QGH | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 18.1 |
| NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board | QSL | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 17.8 |
| NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board | QT6 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 17.7 |
| NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board | QOP | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 17.7 |
| NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board | QK1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 17.7 |
| NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QE1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 17.5 |
| NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board | QPM | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 17.5 |
| NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board | QKS | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 17.1 |
| NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QWO | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 17.1 |
| NHS North East London Integrated Care Board | QMF | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 16.8 |
| NHS North West London Integrated Care Board | QRV | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 16.6 |
| NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board | QUE | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 16.5 |
| NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board | QH8 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 16.5 |
| NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board | QOC | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 16.5 |
| NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board | QHG | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 16.3 |
| NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board | QT1 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 16.2 |
| NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board | QNC | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 16.2 |
| NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QOQ | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 15.8 |
| NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board | QXU | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 15.5 |
| NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board | QU9 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 15.4 |
| NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board | QNQ | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 15.3 |
| NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QF7 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 15.3 |
| NHS South West London Integrated Care Board | QWE | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 14.8 |
| NHS South East London Integrated Care Board | QKK | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 14.6 |
| NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board | QOX | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 14.5 |
| NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QHM | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 14.2 |
| NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board | QM7 | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 13.7 |
| NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QUY | Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | 12.9 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders | Office for National Statistics - ICB Mid-year population estimates
NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB had the highest rate in 2023/24 of antipsychotic prescribing per 1,000 population. An estimated 26 patients per 1,000 population in this ICB were prescribed at least one antipsychotics item.
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB had the lowest rate. In this ICB, an estimated 13 patients out of every 1,000 population were prescribed at least one antipsychotics item in 2023/24.
2.4. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD are described in the BNF 68 section 4.4:
- BNF chemical substance 0404000D0 - Caffeine
- BNF chemical substance 0404000E0 - Caffeine citrate
- BNF chemical substance 0404000L0 - Dexamfetamine sulfate
- BNF chemical substance 0404000M0 - Methylphenidate hydrochloride
- BNF chemical substance 0404000R0 - Modafinil
- BNF chemical substance 0404000S0 - Atomoxetine hydrochloride
- BNF chemical substance 0404000T0 - Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride
- BNF chemical substance 0404000U0 - Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
- BNF chemical substance 0404000V0 - Guanfacine
- BNF chemical substance 0404000W0 - Pitolisant hydrochloride
BNF section 4.4 contains a single BNF paragraph and many chemical substances, therefore analysis in this narrative has been limited to section level data. Chemical substance level data is available in the supporting summary tables.
More information about these medicines can be found in section 4 of this summary.
2.9 million CNS stimulants and ADHD drug items prescribed in 2023/24 to 280,000 identified patients.
Items and patients both continued to rise in this drug group.
The number of identified patients has risen by 28% in adults and 9.9% in children since 2022/23.
Number of CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items prescribed in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Chart
Figure 19: CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items increased rapidly between 2020/21 and 2023/24
Table
Table 21: CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items increased rapidly between 2020/21 and 2023/24
| Financial year | BNF section name | Items |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 1,305,940 |
| 2016/2017 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 1,402,028 |
| 2017/2018 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 1,492,565 |
| 2018/2019 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 1,606,184 |
| 2019/2020 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 1,799,082 |
| 2020/2021 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 1,832,286 |
| 2021/2022 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 2,132,077 |
| 2022/2023 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 2,544,087 |
| 2023/2024 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 2,914,733 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
There were 2.91 million CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items prescribed in 2023/24, which was 14.6% more than 2022/23. CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items have increased every year since 2015/16, with a greater rate of increase between 2020/21 to 2023/24.
Number of identified patients prescribed one or more CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Chart
Figure 20: Identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD increased every year since 2015/16
Table
Table 22: Identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD increased every year since 2015/16
| Financial year | BNF section name | Identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 107,155 |
| 2016/2017 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 115,945 |
| 2017/2018 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 124,789 |
| 2018/2019 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 136,211 |
| 2019/2020 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 154,858 |
| 2020/2021 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 162,838 |
| 2021/2022 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 192,105 |
| 2022/2023 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 233,474 |
| 2023/2024 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 277,640 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
In 2023/24, 278,000 identified patients received at least one prescription item for CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD. This was a 18.9% increase from 2022/23. Identified patients have had a very similar upward trend to items, rising every year since 2015/16 with a sharper incline since 2020/21.
Number of items and identified patients for CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD prescribing in England, quarter 1 2015/16 to quarter 4 2023/24
Chart
Figure 21: CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs items and identified patients increased in every quarter of 2023/24
Table
Table 23: CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs items and identified patients increased in every quarter of 2023/24
| Financial quarter | BNF section name | Identified patients | Total prescribed items |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 80,803 | 319,735 |
| 2015/2016 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 80,540 | 318,208 |
| 2015/2016 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 84,375 | 337,848 |
| 2015/2016 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 86,303 | 330,149 |
| 2016/2017 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 88,615 | 346,859 |
| 2016/2017 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 87,290 | 338,907 |
| 2016/2017 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 90,318 | 357,651 |
| 2016/2017 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 92,986 | 358,611 |
| 2017/2018 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 94,863 | 367,206 |
| 2017/2018 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 94,241 | 362,571 |
| 2017/2018 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 97,723 | 381,695 |
| 2017/2018 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 100,442 | 381,093 |
| 2018/2019 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 103,198 | 395,372 |
| 2018/2019 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 102,247 | 383,796 |
| 2018/2019 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 106,611 | 412,807 |
| 2018/2019 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 110,023 | 414,209 |
| 2019/2020 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 114,743 | 432,758 |
| 2019/2020 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 116,214 | 431,137 |
| 2019/2020 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 121,956 | 458,777 |
| 2019/2020 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 126,883 | 476,410 |
| 2020/2021 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 118,324 | 427,907 |
| 2020/2021 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 121,768 | 440,128 |
| 2020/2021 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 130,631 | 486,937 |
| 2020/2021 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 132,573 | 477,314 |
| 2021/2022 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 139,694 | 508,883 |
| 2021/2022 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 141,843 | 509,041 |
| 2021/2022 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 150,203 | 548,468 |
| 2021/2022 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 158,639 | 565,685 |
| 2022/2023 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 167,222 | 604,284 |
| 2022/2023 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 170,729 | 607,427 |
| 2022/2023 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 181,006 | 645,577 |
| 2022/2023 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 191,612 | 686,799 |
| 2023/2024 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 202,304 | 711,369 |
| 2023/2024 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 207,509 | 716,393 |
| 2023/2024 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 209,895 | 727,930 |
| 2023/2024 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 222,022 | 759,041 |
Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items and identified patients both increased across all 4 quarters of 2023/24. Between January to March 2024 prescribing in this section increased to 759,000 items, 4.27% more than the previous quarter. This was also 10.5% more than the same quarter in 2022/23. Identified patients also increased to 222,000 in January to March 2024. This was an increase of 5.78% from the previous quarter and 15.9% more than the same quarter in 2022/23.
Number of identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD by age band and gender, England 2023/24
The data used in this chart and table only includes identified patients where age and gender are known. The number of patients is the raw figure and has not been adjusted by the national population of the same age and gender group. When interpreting demographic information the underlying populations should also be considered.
Chart
Figure 22: Male patients aged 10 to 14 largest prescribing group for CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs
Table
Table 24: Male patients aged 10 to 14 largest prescribing group for CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs
| BNF section name | Age band | Patient gender | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 00-04 | Female | 6 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 00-04 | Male | 29 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 05-09 | Female | 4,503 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 05-09 | Male | 16,569 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 10-14 | Female | 14,853 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 10-14 | Male | 50,771 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 15-19 | Female | 16,539 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 15-19 | Male | 35,577 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 20-24 | Female | 13,001 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 20-24 | Male | 15,927 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 25-29 | Female | 13,107 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 25-29 | Male | 14,359 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 30-34 | Female | 11,194 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 30-34 | Male | 12,522 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 35-39 | Female | 8,540 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 35-39 | Male | 8,681 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 40-44 | Female | 6,832 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 40-44 | Male | 6,236 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 45-49 | Female | 5,096 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 45-49 | Male | 4,596 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 50-54 | Female | 3,754 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 50-54 | Male | 3,540 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 55-59 | Female | 2,371 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 55-59 | Male | 2,163 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 60-64 | Female | 1,204 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 60-64 | Male | 1,186 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 65-69 | Female | 605 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 65-69 | Male | 614 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 70-74 | Female | 423 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 70-74 | Male | 394 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 75-79 | Female | 266 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 75-79 | Male | 284 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 80-84 | Female | 143 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 80-84 | Male | 136 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 85-89 | Female | 93 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 85-89 | Male | 74 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 90+ | Female | 26 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 90+ | Male | 26 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
There has been a noticeable difference in prescribing between male and female patients since 2015/16 for CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD. This continued in 2023/24, with an estimated 174,000 male patients and 103,000 female patients.
Male patients aged 10 to 14 were the largest group across all age and gender groups in 2023/24. Of all identified patients with a known age and gender, 18.4% were male patients aged 10 to 14. Male patients aged 15 to 19 were the second largest group, at 12.9%. The overall number of female patients was lower, but the largest group of female patients was also aged 10 to 14, followed by those aged 15 to 19.
Number of identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 23: Number of patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs highest in the most deprived areas
Table
Table 25: Number of patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs highest in the most deprived areas
| BNF section name | IMD quintile | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 1 - Most Deprived | 63,382 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 2 | 63,275 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 3 | 58,059 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 4 | 54,975 |
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5 - Least Deprived | 55,304 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
In 2023/24, there were an estimated 63,400 patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items in the most deprived areas in England. This was 14.6% more than those in the least deprived areas. In general, more people were prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items in more deprived areas in 2023/24. However, for the first time since 2015/16 there were more identified patients in quintile 5, the least deprived areas, compared to quintile 4. This difference was small as there were only 329 more patients in quintile 5 than in quintile 4.
You can find more information about the English Indices of Deprivation in section 5 of this summary.
Number of identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD per 1,000 population by ICB, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 24: Identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs per 1,000 population varied by ICB
Table
Table 26: Identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs per 1,000 population varied by ICB
| ICB name | ICB code | BNF section name | Patients per 1000 population |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board | QYG | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 9.0 |
| NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board | QXU | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 8.3 |
| NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board | QH8 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 7.5 |
| NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board | QKS | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 7.3 |
| NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board | QHG | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 7.0 |
| NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board | QJ2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 7.0 |
| NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board | QJM | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.9 |
| NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QUY | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.7 |
| NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board | QU9 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.7 |
| NHS South West London Integrated Care Board | QWE | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.7 |
| NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board | QT6 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.6 |
| NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board | QK1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.6 |
| NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board | QMJ | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.5 |
| NHS South East London Integrated Care Board | QKK | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.3 |
| NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board | QNQ | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.1 |
| NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board | QT1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.1 |
| NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board | QOX | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 6.0 |
| NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board | QPM | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.9 |
| NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QF7 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.9 |
| NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board | QJG | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.9 |
| NHS North East London Integrated Care Board | QMF | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.8 |
| NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board | QMM | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.7 |
| NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board | QVV | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.6 |
| NHS North West London Integrated Care Board | QRV | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.6 |
| NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board | QNX | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.6 |
| NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board | QOP | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.4 |
| NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board | QHL | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.3 |
| NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board | QRL | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.3 |
| NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board | QM7 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 5.1 |
| NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board | QGH | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 4.9 |
| NHS Devon Integrated Care Board | QJK | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 4.6 |
| NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QE1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 4.6 |
| NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board | QUE | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 4.4 |
| NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board | QSL | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 4.3 |
| NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board | QUA | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 4.2 |
| NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QHM | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 4.2 |
| NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board | QOC | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 4.2 |
| NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QR1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 3.7 |
| NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board | QNC | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 3.6 |
| NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board | QWU | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 3.4 |
| NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QWO | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 3.2 |
| NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QOQ | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 2.9 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | Office for National Statistics - ICB Mid-year population estimates
In 2023/24 NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB had the highest estimated number of identified patients prescribed at least one CNS stimulants and drug used for ADHD item per 1,000 residents. There were an estimated 9 patients per 1,000 population in this ICB.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB had the lowest estimated number of identified patients prescribed at least one CNS stimulants and drug used for ADHD item. This ICB had an estimated 3 patients per 1,000 population.
2.4.1. Prescribing in adults and children
Children are classed as patients aged 17 and under at 30 September for the given financial year.
Number of identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD, by adult and child agebands, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 25: The number of adult patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs has increased more rapidly
Table
Table 27: The number of adult patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs has increased more rapidly
| Financial Year | BNF Section Name | Age Band | Total Identified Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17 and under | 67057 |
| 2015/2016 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18 and over | 38361 |
| 2016/2017 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17 and under | 71427 |
| 2016/2017 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18 and over | 43236 |
| 2017/2018 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17 and under | 75113 |
| 2017/2018 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18 and over | 47533 |
| 2018/2019 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17 and under | 80630 |
| 2018/2019 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18 and over | 53726 |
| 2019/2020 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17 and under | 90397 |
| 2019/2020 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18 and over | 62632 |
| 2020/2021 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17 and under | 89882 |
| 2020/2021 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18 and over | 71707 |
| 2021/2022 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17 and under | 99925 |
| 2021/2022 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18 and over | 90812 |
| 2022/2023 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17 and under | 112414 |
| 2022/2023 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18 and over | 119748 |
| 2023/2024 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17 and under | 123510 |
| 2023/2024 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18 and over | 152874 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
In 2023/24, out of the total number of patients with a known age, there were with 153,000 adult patients and 124,000 child patients. There were 27.7% more adult identified patients and 9.87% more child identified patients compared to 2022/23.
For both adults and children the increase in items was smaller than the increase in identified patients since 2022/23. In 2023/24 items prescribed to adults increased by 23.9% to 1.50 million, and increased by 6.97% for children to 1.08 million items.
2.5. Drugs for dementia
Dementia is a progressive clinical syndrome characterised by a range of cognitive and behavioural symptoms that can include memory loss, problems with reasoning and communication, a change in personality, and a reduced ability to carry out daily activities such as washing or dressing. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Other common types of dementia include vascular dementia (where dementia is due to cerebrovascular disease), dementia with Lewy bodies (where dementia is due to protein deposits in the brain), mixed dementia, and frontotemporal dementia (where dementia is due to progressive nerve loss in either the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain).
Drugs for dementia are described in the BNF 68 section 4.11:
- BNF chemical substance 0411000D0 - Donepezil hydrochloride
- BNF chemical substance 0411000E0 - Rivastigmine
- BNF chemical substance 0411000F0 - Galantamine
- BNF chemical substance 0411000G0 - Memantine hydrochloride
4.5 million drugs for dementia items prescribed in 2023/24 to 310,000 identified patients.
The number of drugs for dementia items is at its highest level since 2015/16.
More patients were prescribed drugs for dementia in the least deprived areas in 2023/24 versus the most deprived.
Number of Drugs for dementia items prescribed in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Chart
Figure 26: The total number of drugs for dementia items increased between 2020/21 and 2023/24
Table
Table 28: The total number of drugs for dementia items increased between 2020/21 and 2023/24
| Financial year | BNF chemical substance name | Items |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 1,978,423 |
| 2015/2016 | Galantamine | 235,338 |
| 2015/2016 | Memantine hydrochloride | 827,858 |
| 2015/2016 | Rivastigmine | 364,296 |
| 2016/2017 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 2,085,323 |
| 2016/2017 | Galantamine | 214,711 |
| 2016/2017 | Memantine hydrochloride | 1,009,412 |
| 2016/2017 | Rivastigmine | 385,514 |
| 2017/2018 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 2,105,154 |
| 2017/2018 | Galantamine | 193,096 |
| 2017/2018 | Memantine hydrochloride | 1,149,639 |
| 2017/2018 | Rivastigmine | 393,624 |
| 2018/2019 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 2,115,979 |
| 2018/2019 | Galantamine | 180,353 |
| 2018/2019 | Memantine hydrochloride | 1,296,257 |
| 2018/2019 | Rivastigmine | 396,368 |
| 2019/2020 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 2,150,414 |
| 2019/2020 | Galantamine | 170,022 |
| 2019/2020 | Memantine hydrochloride | 1,483,943 |
| 2019/2020 | Rivastigmine | 409,387 |
| 2020/2021 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 2,001,156 |
| 2020/2021 | Galantamine | 149,321 |
| 2020/2021 | Memantine hydrochloride | 1,510,868 |
| 2020/2021 | Rivastigmine | 387,026 |
| 2021/2022 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 1,928,958 |
| 2021/2022 | Galantamine | 133,641 |
| 2021/2022 | Memantine hydrochloride | 1,622,402 |
| 2021/2022 | Rivastigmine | 382,039 |
| 2022/2023 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 1,951,410 |
| 2022/2023 | Galantamine | 126,696 |
| 2022/2023 | Memantine hydrochloride | 1,772,643 |
| 2022/2023 | Rivastigmine | 386,590 |
| 2023/2024 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 1,991,334 |
| 2023/2024 | Galantamine | 122,418 |
| 2023/2024 | Memantine hydrochloride | 1,969,190 |
| 2023/2024 | Rivastigmine | 399,496 |
| 2015/2016 | Total | 3,405,915 |
| 2016/2017 | Total | 3,694,960 |
| 2017/2018 | Total | 3,841,513 |
| 2018/2019 | Total | 3,988,957 |
| 2019/2020 | Total | 4,213,766 |
| 2020/2021 | Total | 4,048,371 |
| 2021/2022 | Total | 4,067,040 |
| 2022/2023 | Total | 4,237,339 |
| 2023/2024 | Total | 4,482,438 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs for dementia
There were 4.48 million drugs for dementia items prescribed in 2023/24, 5.78% more than in 2022/23. Drugs for dementia items have increased in 3 out of 4 BNF chemical substances in this section. Memantine hydrochloride had the largest increase of 11.1%, in contrast to Galantamine items which decreased by 3.38% since 2022/23.
Number of identified patients prescribed one or more drugs for dementia item in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Any patient who was prescribed items from more than one BNF paragraph is counted in the subtotal for each relevant paragraph. However, these patients have only been counted once in the BNF section totals for each relevant section. The total number of identified patients is therefore lower than if the totals for each paragraph are added together.
Chart
Figure 27: Total identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia increased in 2023/24
Table
Table 29: Total identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia increased in 2023/24
| Financial year | BNF chemical substance name | Identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 136,742 |
| 2015/2016 | Rivastigmine | 31,076 |
| 2015/2016 | Galantamine | 15,925 |
| 2015/2016 | Memantine hydrochloride | 65,145 |
| 2016/2017 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 142,801 |
| 2016/2017 | Rivastigmine | 32,687 |
| 2016/2017 | Galantamine | 14,517 |
| 2016/2017 | Memantine hydrochloride | 77,351 |
| 2017/2018 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 144,225 |
| 2017/2018 | Rivastigmine | 33,403 |
| 2017/2018 | Galantamine | 13,418 |
| 2017/2018 | Memantine hydrochloride | 87,395 |
| 2018/2019 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 144,256 |
| 2018/2019 | Rivastigmine | 33,958 |
| 2018/2019 | Galantamine | 12,303 |
| 2018/2019 | Memantine hydrochloride | 97,739 |
| 2019/2020 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 145,999 |
| 2019/2020 | Rivastigmine | 34,812 |
| 2019/2020 | Galantamine | 11,609 |
| 2019/2020 | Memantine hydrochloride | 110,580 |
| 2020/2021 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 138,267 |
| 2020/2021 | Rivastigmine | 34,086 |
| 2020/2021 | Galantamine | 10,255 |
| 2020/2021 | Memantine hydrochloride | 117,641 |
| 2021/2022 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 136,526 |
| 2021/2022 | Rivastigmine | 33,357 |
| 2021/2022 | Galantamine | 9,425 |
| 2021/2022 | Memantine hydrochloride | 124,669 |
| 2022/2023 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 140,441 |
| 2022/2023 | Rivastigmine | 34,519 |
| 2022/2023 | Galantamine | 9,119 |
| 2022/2023 | Memantine hydrochloride | 138,388 |
| 2023/2024 | Donepezil hydrochloride | 145,015 |
| 2023/2024 | Rivastigmine | 35,686 |
| 2023/2024 | Galantamine | 8,907 |
| 2023/2024 | Memantine hydrochloride | 153,087 |
| 2015/2016 | Total | 233,996 |
| 2016/2017 | Total | 250,818 |
| 2017/2018 | Total | 261,039 |
| 2018/2019 | Total | 268,486 |
| 2019/2020 | Total | 279,596 |
| 2020/2021 | Total | 275,595 |
| 2021/2022 | Total | 276,987 |
| 2022/2023 | Total | 292,704 |
| 2023/2024 | Total | 309,238 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs for dementia
An estimated 309,000 identified patients were prescribed at least one drugs for dementia item in 2023/24. This was 5.65% more than 2022/23. Identified patients have risen over time since 2021/22 to 2023/24 for 3 out of 4 chemical substances and the overall trend is similar to items. However, in 2023/24 Memantine hydrochloride overtook Donepezil hydrochloride to become the chemical substance with the most identified patients in this section.
Number of identified patients and drugs for dementia items per financial quarter in England 2015/16 to 2023/24
Chart
Figure 28: Identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia increased across 2023/24, but items fell in quarter 4
Table
Table 30: Identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia increased across 2023/24, but items fell in quarter 4
| Financial quarter | BNF section name | Identified patients | Total prescribed items |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 Q1 | Drugs for dementia | 180,342 | 812,150 |
| 2015/2016 Q2 | Drugs for dementia | 185,622 | 845,895 |
| 2015/2016 Q3 | Drugs for dementia | 191,945 | 885,040 |
| 2015/2016 Q4 | Drugs for dementia | 195,640 | 862,830 |
| 2016/2017 Q1 | Drugs for dementia | 199,589 | 900,686 |
| 2016/2017 Q2 | Drugs for dementia | 203,499 | 921,743 |
| 2016/2017 Q3 | Drugs for dementia | 207,733 | 948,934 |
| 2016/2017 Q4 | Drugs for dementia | 209,106 | 923,597 |
| 2017/2018 Q1 | Drugs for dementia | 210,277 | 943,148 |
| 2017/2018 Q2 | Drugs for dementia | 214,031 | 957,970 |
| 2017/2018 Q3 | Drugs for dementia | 217,645 | 982,553 |
| 2017/2018 Q4 | Drugs for dementia | 217,606 | 957,842 |
| 2018/2019 Q1 | Drugs for dementia | 216,616 | 971,558 |
| 2018/2019 Q2 | Drugs for dementia | 219,841 | 990,001 |
| 2018/2019 Q3 | Drugs for dementia | 224,062 | 1,026,663 |
| 2018/2019 Q4 | Drugs for dementia | 225,870 | 1,000,735 |
| 2019/2020 Q1 | Drugs for dementia | 227,652 | 1,028,003 |
| 2019/2020 Q2 | Drugs for dementia | 231,384 | 1,055,352 |
| 2019/2020 Q3 | Drugs for dementia | 234,737 | 1,082,148 |
| 2019/2020 Q4 | Drugs for dementia | 234,888 | 1,048,263 |
| 2020/2021 Q1 | Drugs for dementia | 231,052 | 1,037,749 |
| 2020/2021 Q2 | Drugs for dementia | 223,741 | 1,003,614 |
| 2020/2021 Q3 | Drugs for dementia | 225,865 | 1,024,994 |
| 2020/2021 Q4 | Drugs for dementia | 223,757 | 982,014 |
| 2021/2022 Q1 | Drugs for dementia | 223,836 | 996,880 |
| 2021/2022 Q2 | Drugs for dementia | 228,030 | 1,022,086 |
| 2021/2022 Q3 | Drugs for dementia | 231,152 | 1,031,912 |
| 2021/2022 Q4 | Drugs for dementia | 232,283 | 1,016,162 |
| 2022/2023 Q1 | Drugs for dementia | 234,161 | 1,038,052 |
| 2022/2023 Q2 | Drugs for dementia | 237,651 | 1,055,461 |
| 2022/2023 Q3 | Drugs for dementia | 241,777 | 1,075,635 |
| 2022/2023 Q4 | Drugs for dementia | 243,260 | 1,068,191 |
| 2023/2024 Q1 | Drugs for dementia | 246,593 | 1,080,309 |
| 2023/2024 Q2 | Drugs for dementia | 252,153 | 1,113,556 |
| 2023/2024 Q3 | Drugs for dementia | 258,377 | 1,148,688 |
| 2023/2024 Q4 | Drugs for dementia | 260,867 | 1,139,885 |
Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - Drugs for dementia
Identified patients increased for drugs for dementia across all 4 quarters of 2023/24. Items increased during the first 3 quarters until Q4 2023/24, where they decreased by 0.77%. Items have decreased between Q3 and Q4 in every year since 2025/16. Overall, items and identified patients remain higher than the same quarter in 2022/23. Between Q4 2022/23 and Q4 2023/24 items increased by 6.71% and identified patients by 7.24%.
Number of identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia, by age band and gender, England 2023/24
The data used in this chart and table only includes identified patients where age and gender are known. The number of patients is the raw figure and has not been adjusted by the national population of the same age and gender group. When interpreting demographic information the underlying populations should also be considered.
Chart
Figure 29: More female patients prescribed drugs for dementia than male patients in older age bands
Table
Table 31: More female patients prescribed drugs for dementia than male patients in older age bands
| BNF section name | Age band | Patient gender | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drugs for dementia | Under 50 | Female | 182 |
| Drugs for dementia | Under 50 | Male | 178 |
| Drugs for dementia | 50-54 | Female | 285 |
| Drugs for dementia | 50-54 | Male | 330 |
| Drugs for dementia | 55-59 | Female | 1,060 |
| Drugs for dementia | 55-59 | Male | 975 |
| Drugs for dementia | 60-64 | Female | 2,460 |
| Drugs for dementia | 60-64 | Male | 2,360 |
| Drugs for dementia | 65-69 | Female | 5,510 |
| Drugs for dementia | 65-69 | Male | 5,370 |
| Drugs for dementia | 70-74 | Female | 14,200 |
| Drugs for dementia | 70-74 | Male | 12,200 |
| Drugs for dementia | 75-79 | Female | 34,100 |
| Drugs for dementia | 75-79 | Male | 26,100 |
| Drugs for dementia | 80-84 | Female | 46,100 |
| Drugs for dementia | 80-84 | Male | 31,400 |
| Drugs for dementia | 85-89 | Female | 48,200 |
| Drugs for dementia | 85-89 | Male | 28,000 |
| Drugs for dementia | 90+ | Female | 35,800 |
| Drugs for dementia | 90+ | Male | 14,400 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs for dementia
As in previous years, 2023/24 had noticeable differences in prescribing between males and females, with 188,000 female patients and 121,000 male patients.
Female patients aged 80 and older account for 42.1% of all identified patients with a known age and gender who received prescribing of dementia drugs.
Number of identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia, by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 30: Identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia were highest in the least deprived areas
Table
Table 32: Identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia were highest in the least deprived areas
| BNF section name | IMD quintile | Total identified patients |
|---|---|---|
| Drugs for dementia | 1 - Most Deprived | 55,662 |
| Drugs for dementia | 2 | 60,754 |
| Drugs for dementia | 3 | 70,116 |
| Drugs for dementia | 4 | 75,319 |
| Drugs for dementia | 5 - Least Deprived | 77,486 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs for dementia
In 2023/24, an estimated 55,700 identified patients were prescribed drugs for dementia items in the most deprived areas in England. This was 28.2% fewer identified patients than in the least deprived areas. In general, more people were prescribed drugs for dementia items in the least deprived areas in 2023/24. Since 2016/17 this pattern has remained consistent.
Drugs for dementia remained the only BNF section in this publication where prescribing was higher in the least deprived areas than the most deprived areas.
You can find more information about the English Indices of Deprivation in section 5 of this summary.
Number of identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD per 1,000 population by ICB, England 2023/24
Chart
Figure 31: The number of identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia per 1,000 population varied by ICB
Note: After rounding the data some ICBs have the same number of estimated patients per 1,000 population. This chart has been arranged by the unrounded values for each ICB.
Table
Table 33: The number of identified patients prescribed drugs for dementia per 1,000 population varied by ICB
| ICB name | ICB code | BNF section name | Patients per 1000 population |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board | QXU | Drugs for dementia | 9.4 |
| NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board | QNX | Drugs for dementia | 9.4 |
| NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QR1 | Drugs for dementia | 9.2 |
| NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board | QUY | Drugs for dementia | 8.8 |
| NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board | QJM | Drugs for dementia | 8.5 |
| NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board | QNC | Drugs for dementia | 8.5 |
| NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QHM | Drugs for dementia | 8.2 |
| NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board | QMM | Drugs for dementia | 8.1 |
| NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QF7 | Drugs for dementia | 7.8 |
| NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board | QNQ | Drugs for dementia | 7.5 |
| NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board | QJ2 | Drugs for dementia | 7.0 |
| NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board | QRL | Drugs for dementia | 6.9 |
| NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board | QE1 | Drugs for dementia | 6.9 |
| NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board | QOX | Drugs for dementia | 6.6 |
| NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board | QU9 | Drugs for dementia | 6.4 |
| NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QOQ | Drugs for dementia | 6.3 |
| NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board | QYG | Drugs for dementia | 6.2 |
| NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board | QUE | Drugs for dementia | 6.1 |
| NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board | QKS | Drugs for dementia | 6.1 |
| NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board | QT6 | Drugs for dementia | 6.0 |
| NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board | QVV | Drugs for dementia | 6.0 |
| NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board | QK1 | Drugs for dementia | 6.0 |
| NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board | QJG | Drugs for dementia | 5.9 |
| NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board | QWO | Drugs for dementia | 5.9 |
| NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board | QOP | Drugs for dementia | 5.8 |
| NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board | QM7 | Drugs for dementia | 5.8 |
| NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board | QHG | Drugs for dementia | 5.7 |
| NHS Devon Integrated Care Board | QJK | Drugs for dementia | 5.7 |
| NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board | QH8 | Drugs for dementia | 5.7 |
| NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board | QOC | Drugs for dementia | 5.6 |
| NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board | QT1 | Drugs for dementia | 5.4 |
| NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board | QMJ | Drugs for dementia | 5.2 |
| NHS South West London Integrated Care Board | QWE | Drugs for dementia | 5.2 |
| NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board | QWU | Drugs for dementia | 5.1 |
| NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board | QPM | Drugs for dementia | 4.9 |
| NHS South East London Integrated Care Board | QKK | Drugs for dementia | 4.3 |
| NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board | QGH | Drugs for dementia | 4.2 |
| NHS North West London Integrated Care Board | QRV | Drugs for dementia | 3.9 |
| NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board | QSL | Drugs for dementia | 3.9 |
| NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board | QUA | Drugs for dementia | 3.5 |
| NHS North East London Integrated Care Board | QMF | Drugs for dementia | 3.3 |
| NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board | QHL | Drugs for dementia | 2.7 |
Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - Drugs for dementia | Office for National Statistics - ICB Mid-year population estimates
In 2023/24 NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB had the highest rate of prescribing of drugs for dementia items. An estimated 9 identified patients per 1,000 population received at least one drugs for dementia item.
NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB had the lowest estimated number of identified patients prescribed a drugs for dementia item per 1,000 residents in 2023/24, with an estimated 3 patients per 1,000 population.
3. Prescribing during the COVID-19 pandemic
The number of Antidepressants and hypnotics and anxiolytics prescribed stayed within the range of items expected based on pre-pandemic trends.
The number of CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items prescibed remained higher than the expected range of values in 2023/24.
We have created a model to help users interpret the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prescribing trends.
The number of expected prescription items for each BNF section during this period has been calculated by extrapolating figures for March 2020 to March 2024 according to:
- the trend in prescription items for each section between April 2015 and February 2020
- the number of dispensing days that occur in each month
- the typical differences between each month of the year observed between April 2015 and February 2020
- the typical differences between each combination of 20 year age band group and gender
A linear regression model has been used to estimate the number of items prescribed, to stay relatively simple and consistent with the model used in previous releases. The model estimates the expected number of items prescribed based on pre-pandemic trends, for each combination of age band and gender. These estimates have then been added together to get an estimate of the total items expected per month, with a 99% prediction interval calculated.
Prediction interval (PI)
A range calculated based on the uncertainty around the fit of the model. A 99% PI means the new observation is likely to fall within the interval of predicted values 99% of the time.
The data used in this model has been split into groups by patients’ 20 year age band and gender. As age band and gender were included in the model, the model was only fitted to data where age band and gender were both known. This means the charts of predictions made using the model are not based on the same full data used in the rest of this publication. These charts cannot be directly compared to each other or to the quarterly and monthly charts of items prescribed. More information on the methodology behind the model can be found in the background and methodology document.
3.1. Antidepressant prescribing
Expected and actual prescribing activity for antidepressants in England, March 2020 to March 2024
Chart
Figure 32: Antidepressant items stayed within the range of prescribing expected in 2023/24
Table
Table 34: Antidepressant items stayed within the range of prescribing expected in 2023/24
| Year Month | Prescribed items | Expected items | Lower 99 percent PI | Upper 99 percent PI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202003 | 6,718,630 | 6,477,949 | 6,094,832 | 6,861,066 |
| 202004 | 6,405,933 | 6,181,661 | 5,799,261 | 6,564,061 |
| 202005 | 6,175,178 | 6,341,663 | 5,959,262 | 6,724,063 |
| 202006 | 6,396,990 | 6,442,324 | 6,062,908 | 6,821,739 |
| 202007 | 6,704,137 | 6,537,955 | 6,156,478 | 6,919,431 |
| 202008 | 6,081,054 | 6,334,177 | 5,946,786 | 6,721,569 |
| 202009 | 6,579,391 | 6,469,497 | 6,089,346 | 6,849,648 |
| 202010 | 6,733,165 | 6,679,637 | 6,299,487 | 7,059,788 |
| 202011 | 6,516,483 | 6,473,537 | 6,088,926 | 6,858,148 |
| 202012 | 6,996,024 | 6,737,466 | 6,358,051 | 7,116,882 |
| 202101 | 6,645,783 | 6,597,207 | 6,212,596 | 6,981,818 |
| 202102 | 6,273,881 | 6,260,503 | 5,880,778 | 6,640,228 |
| 202103 | 7,053,680 | 6,940,330 | 6,543,329 | 7,337,331 |
| 202104 | 6,824,036 | 6,505,442 | 6,114,024 | 6,896,861 |
| 202105 | 6,528,461 | 6,665,444 | 6,274,025 | 7,056,863 |
| 202106 | 6,945,727 | 6,766,105 | 6,377,804 | 7,154,407 |
| 202107 | 6,943,346 | 6,861,736 | 6,471,521 | 7,251,951 |
| 202108 | 6,645,078 | 6,657,959 | 6,261,564 | 7,054,355 |
| 202109 | 6,970,839 | 6,793,278 | 6,404,309 | 7,182,248 |
| 202110 | 6,688,115 | 6,864,820 | 6,473,401 | 7,256,239 |
| 202111 | 6,966,649 | 6,935,918 | 6,547,616 | 7,324,219 |
| 202112 | 7,285,859 | 7,061,248 | 6,672,946 | 7,449,549 |
| 202201 | 6,931,737 | 6,920,989 | 6,527,360 | 7,314,618 |
| 202202 | 6,496,633 | 6,584,285 | 6,195,580 | 6,972,990 |
| 202203 | 7,356,397 | 7,264,112 | 6,857,596 | 7,670,627 |
| 202204 | 6,870,154 | 6,829,224 | 6,426,548 | 7,231,900 |
| 202205 | 7,171,116 | 7,127,825 | 6,727,775 | 7,527,876 |
| 202206 | 6,987,047 | 6,812,688 | 6,388,948 | 7,236,428 |
| 202207 | 6,943,575 | 7,046,918 | 6,645,889 | 7,447,948 |
| 202208 | 7,154,688 | 7,120,340 | 6,720,927 | 7,519,753 |
| 202209 | 7,124,461 | 6,978,461 | 6,575,785 | 7,381,136 |
| 202210 | 7,057,016 | 7,188,601 | 6,785,926 | 7,591,277 |
| 202211 | 7,240,194 | 7,259,699 | 6,860,249 | 7,659,149 |
| 202212 | 7,221,928 | 7,385,029 | 6,985,580 | 7,784,479 |
| 202301 | 7,274,094 | 7,244,771 | 6,839,898 | 7,649,643 |
| 202302 | 6,703,620 | 6,908,066 | 6,508,126 | 7,308,007 |
| 202303 | 7,669,611 | 7,587,893 | 7,169,730 | 8,006,057 |
| 202304 | 6,869,355 | 7,014,406 | 6,582,408 | 7,446,404 |
| 202305 | 7,337,378 | 7,313,008 | 6,897,018 | 7,728,997 |
| 202306 | 7,453,002 | 7,413,669 | 7,000,991 | 7,826,346 |
| 202307 | 7,271,578 | 7,370,700 | 6,956,351 | 7,785,049 |
| 202308 | 7,437,956 | 7,444,122 | 7,031,432 | 7,856,811 |
| 202309 | 7,288,983 | 7,440,842 | 7,027,630 | 7,854,053 |
| 202310 | 7,420,895 | 7,512,383 | 7,096,394 | 7,928,372 |
| 202311 | 7,500,104 | 7,583,481 | 7,170,803 | 7,996,158 |
| 202312 | 7,430,722 | 7,570,212 | 7,152,048 | 7,988,375 |
| 202401 | 7,709,841 | 7,707,152 | 7,294,474 | 8,119,829 |
| 202402 | 7,238,625 | 7,370,447 | 6,954,541 | 7,786,354 |
| 202403 | 7,366,736 | 7,634,476 | 7,199,764 | 8,069,188 |
Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - Antidepressant drugs monthly table
There were 342 million antidepressant items prescribed Between March 2020 and March 2024 to identified patients with a known age and gender. This was 0.11% more than the 341 million items expected based on historical trends.
Antidepressant items remained well within the expected values for this period.
3.2. Hypnotics and anxiolytics prescribing
Expected and actual prescribing activity for hypnotics and anxiolytics in England, March 2020 to March 2024
Chart
Figure 33: Hypnotics and anxiolytics items stayed within the range of prescribing expected in 2023/24
Table
Table 35: Hypnotics and anxiolytics items stayed within the range of prescribing expected in 2023/24
| Year Month | Prescribed items | Expected items | Lower 99 percent PI | Upper 99 percent PI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202003 | 1,186,556 | 1,192,645 | 1,138,858.7 | 1,246,432 |
| 202004 | 1,172,991 | 1,108,035 | 1,054,348.6 | 1,161,721 |
| 202005 | 1,109,949 | 1,132,234 | 1,078,548.2 | 1,185,920 |
| 202006 | 1,151,664 | 1,151,236 | 1,097,969.2 | 1,204,503 |
| 202007 | 1,195,100 | 1,166,145 | 1,112,588.2 | 1,219,701 |
| 202008 | 1,076,476 | 1,121,848 | 1,067,461.3 | 1,176,235 |
| 202009 | 1,156,606 | 1,152,898 | 1,099,527.7 | 1,206,268 |
| 202010 | 1,179,818 | 1,186,959 | 1,133,588.3 | 1,240,329 |
| 202011 | 1,135,245 | 1,124,339 | 1,070,342.9 | 1,178,336 |
| 202012 | 1,222,626 | 1,183,065 | 1,129,797.8 | 1,236,332 |
| 202101 | 1,153,256 | 1,148,881 | 1,094,885.1 | 1,202,878 |
| 202102 | 1,089,376 | 1,069,580 | 1,016,269.7 | 1,122,891 |
| 202103 | 1,208,603 | 1,209,598 | 1,153,862.3 | 1,265,334 |
| 202104 | 1,142,963 | 1,091,716 | 1,036,763.4 | 1,146,668 |
| 202105 | 1,082,360 | 1,115,915 | 1,060,963.0 | 1,170,867 |
| 202106 | 1,148,176 | 1,134,917 | 1,080,402.5 | 1,189,432 |
| 202107 | 1,152,084 | 1,149,825 | 1,095,042.2 | 1,204,609 |
| 202108 | 1,102,238 | 1,105,529 | 1,049,878.1 | 1,161,180 |
| 202109 | 1,154,983 | 1,136,579 | 1,081,970.5 | 1,191,187 |
| 202110 | 1,104,777 | 1,137,368 | 1,082,415.4 | 1,192,320 |
| 202111 | 1,142,352 | 1,141,292 | 1,086,777.5 | 1,195,807 |
| 202112 | 1,190,044 | 1,166,746 | 1,112,231.1 | 1,221,260 |
| 202201 | 1,130,464 | 1,132,562 | 1,077,299.9 | 1,187,825 |
| 202202 | 1,061,387 | 1,053,261 | 998,689.9 | 1,107,832 |
| 202203 | 1,188,191 | 1,193,279 | 1,136,207.4 | 1,250,351 |
| 202204 | 1,099,392 | 1,075,396 | 1,018,863.8 | 1,131,929 |
| 202205 | 1,136,988 | 1,132,868 | 1,076,703.9 | 1,189,032 |
| 202206 | 1,104,977 | 1,052,054 | 992,564.3 | 1,111,544 |
| 202207 | 1,084,330 | 1,100,234 | 1,043,933.0 | 1,156,536 |
| 202208 | 1,126,241 | 1,122,482 | 1,066,407.2 | 1,178,556 |
| 202209 | 1,124,245 | 1,086,988 | 1,030,455.2 | 1,143,520 |
| 202210 | 1,102,784 | 1,121,048 | 1,064,515.8 | 1,177,581 |
| 202211 | 1,120,626 | 1,124,973 | 1,068,893.3 | 1,181,053 |
| 202212 | 1,109,045 | 1,150,427 | 1,094,346.9 | 1,206,506 |
| 202301 | 1,126,063 | 1,116,243 | 1,059,402.2 | 1,173,084 |
| 202302 | 1,032,938 | 1,036,942 | 980,793.4 | 1,093,090 |
| 202303 | 1,175,220 | 1,176,960 | 1,118,253.0 | 1,235,667 |
| 202304 | 1,038,011 | 1,025,805 | 965,156.2 | 1,086,455 |
| 202305 | 1,101,710 | 1,083,277 | 1,024,875.2 | 1,141,679 |
| 202306 | 1,112,303 | 1,102,279 | 1,044,342.1 | 1,160,216 |
| 202307 | 1,083,982 | 1,083,915 | 1,025,743.9 | 1,142,087 |
| 202308 | 1,115,368 | 1,106,163 | 1,048,224.2 | 1,164,101 |
| 202309 | 1,086,482 | 1,103,941 | 1,045,928.9 | 1,161,952 |
| 202310 | 1,101,375 | 1,104,729 | 1,046,327.6 | 1,163,131 |
| 202311 | 1,103,285 | 1,108,654 | 1,050,717.1 | 1,166,591 |
| 202312 | 1,091,414 | 1,100,835 | 1,042,128.6 | 1,159,542 |
| 202401 | 1,136,361 | 1,133,196 | 1,075,259.3 | 1,191,133 |
| 202402 | 1,061,587 | 1,053,895 | 995,504.6 | 1,112,285 |
| 202403 | 1,068,629 | 1,094,097 | 1,033,066.8 | 1,155,127 |
Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - Hypnotics and anxiolytics monthly table
There were 55.1 million hypnotics and anxiolytics items prescribed between March 2020 and March 2024 to identified patients with a known age and gender. This was only 0.32% more items prescribed than the 54.9 million items expected based on historical trends.
Hypnotics and anxiolytics mostly stayed within the range of values expected for items in this period, except for April 2020.
3.4. CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD prescribing
Expected and actual prescribing activity for CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items in England, March 2020 to March 2024
Chart
Figure 35: CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items stayed above the range of prescribing expected in 2023/24
Table
Table 37: CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items stayed above the range of prescribing expected in 2023/24
| Year Month | Prescribed items | Expected items | Lower 99 percent PI | Upper 99 percent PI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202003 | 144,884 | 129,843.6 | 113,333.3 | 146,353.9 |
| 202004 | 129,909 | 123,586.4 | 107,107.1 | 140,065.8 |
| 202005 | 123,323 | 129,137.6 | 112,658.3 | 145,617.0 |
| 202006 | 128,448 | 131,669.8 | 115,319.0 | 148,020.5 |
| 202007 | 133,354 | 131,037.6 | 114,598.1 | 147,477.2 |
| 202008 | 120,221 | 121,021.4 | 104,326.9 | 137,715.8 |
| 202009 | 138,363 | 131,209.3 | 114,826.8 | 147,591.7 |
| 202010 | 141,939 | 133,493.7 | 117,111.2 | 149,876.1 |
| 202011 | 139,245 | 131,589.9 | 115,015.3 | 148,164.5 |
| 202012 | 145,067 | 135,921.8 | 119,571.0 | 152,272.5 |
| 202101 | 138,715 | 134,338.5 | 117,763.9 | 150,913.1 |
| 202102 | 130,053 | 127,771.7 | 111,407.6 | 144,135.8 |
| 202103 | 150,786 | 141,402.6 | 124,294.0 | 158,511.2 |
| 202104 | 147,310 | 132,786.8 | 115,918.7 | 149,654.8 |
| 202105 | 144,900 | 138,338.0 | 121,469.9 | 155,206.0 |
| 202106 | 153,612 | 140,870.1 | 124,136.4 | 157,603.8 |
| 202107 | 152,069 | 140,238.0 | 123,421.8 | 157,054.1 |
| 202108 | 139,812 | 130,221.7 | 113,139.2 | 147,304.2 |
| 202109 | 156,004 | 140,409.6 | 123,647.1 | 157,172.1 |
| 202110 | 151,867 | 140,335.4 | 123,467.3 | 157,203.4 |
| 202111 | 160,142 | 143,148.9 | 126,415.2 | 159,882.6 |
| 202112 | 165,771 | 145,122.1 | 128,388.4 | 161,855.8 |
| 202201 | 164,726 | 143,538.8 | 126,575.6 | 160,502.1 |
| 202202 | 152,560 | 136,972.0 | 120,221.0 | 153,723.1 |
| 202203 | 178,614 | 150,602.9 | 133,084.3 | 168,121.5 |
| 202204 | 167,166 | 141,987.1 | 124,634.0 | 159,340.2 |
| 202205 | 179,137 | 149,897.0 | 132,657.0 | 167,137.0 |
| 202206 | 180,825 | 145,353.1 | 127,092.2 | 163,614.0 |
| 202207 | 176,608 | 147,079.6 | 129,797.5 | 164,361.8 |
| 202208 | 169,473 | 141,780.7 | 124,568.2 | 158,993.2 |
| 202209 | 186,427 | 147,251.3 | 129,898.2 | 164,604.4 |
| 202210 | 184,640 | 149,535.7 | 132,182.6 | 166,888.8 |
| 202211 | 193,062 | 152,349.2 | 135,135.1 | 169,563.3 |
| 202212 | 188,094 | 154,322.4 | 137,108.3 | 171,536.5 |
| 202301 | 193,392 | 152,739.2 | 135,291.4 | 170,187.0 |
| 202302 | 187,978 | 146,172.4 | 128,937.1 | 163,407.6 |
| 202303 | 219,070 | 159,803.3 | 141,782.7 | 177,823.8 |
| 202304 | 193,549 | 148,828.8 | 130,212.0 | 167,445.6 |
| 202305 | 214,283 | 156,738.7 | 138,811.8 | 174,665.5 |
| 202306 | 218,416 | 159,270.8 | 141,486.6 | 177,054.9 |
| 202307 | 214,100 | 156,280.0 | 138,423.8 | 174,136.2 |
| 202308 | 207,934 | 150,981.0 | 133,196.4 | 168,765.7 |
| 202309 | 214,594 | 158,810.3 | 141,003.1 | 176,617.5 |
| 202310 | 215,168 | 158,736.1 | 140,809.2 | 176,662.9 |
| 202311 | 218,480 | 161,549.6 | 143,765.4 | 179,333.7 |
| 202312 | 212,027 | 161,164.1 | 143,143.6 | 179,184.7 |
| 202401 | 231,305 | 164,298.2 | 146,514.0 | 182,082.3 |
| 202402 | 215,045 | 157,731.4 | 139,808.0 | 175,654.7 |
| 202403 | 231,056 | 164,286.3 | 145,552.6 | 183,020.0 |
Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD monthly table
From March 2020 to March 2024, 8.44 million CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items were prescribed to identified patients with known age and gender. This was 19.4% more than the 7.07 million items expected based on historical trends.
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items have remained consistently higher than the range of items expected based on historical trends. The last time CNS stimulants and drugs used in ADHD were inside the range of expected values was in February 2022. Since 2015/16 there has always been an increase between February and March. This increase happened again between February and March 2024, but this was not as steep as the rise during the same time period in 2022/23.
The model is based on data containing identified patients with known age and gender only. CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD have a relatively low patient identification rate, so a lower proportion of prescribing is included in the model data. For example, patient identification for this BNF section was 79.3% in Q1 of 2015/16, rising to 89.5% in Q4 of 2023/24. This may have an impact on how well the model can extrapolate expected values from the data.
3.5. Drugs for dementia prescribing
Expected and actual prescribing activity for drugs for dementia items in England, March 2020 to March 2024
Chart
Figure 36: Drugs for dementia items mostly stayed below the range of prescribing expected in 2023/24
Table
Table 38: Drugs for dementia items mostly stayed below the range of prescribing expected in 2023/24
| Year Month | Prescribed items | Expected items | Lower 99 percent PI | Upper 99 percent PI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202003 | 338,997 | 351,926.4 | 310,020.4 | 393,832.4 |
| 202004 | 353,438 | 337,046.6 | 295,219.0 | 378,874.2 |
| 202005 | 323,312 | 346,441.2 | 304,613.6 | 388,268.8 |
| 202006 | 329,376 | 353,041.6 | 311,540.5 | 394,542.7 |
| 202007 | 338,213 | 359,672.5 | 317,946.0 | 401,399.1 |
| 202008 | 311,315 | 351,895.9 | 309,522.4 | 394,269.5 |
| 202009 | 325,085 | 356,468.0 | 314,886.4 | 398,049.5 |
| 202010 | 333,222 | 369,416.4 | 327,834.8 | 410,997.9 |
| 202011 | 319,495 | 358,190.7 | 316,121.3 | 400,260.1 |
| 202012 | 339,602 | 371,872.2 | 330,371.1 | 413,373.3 |
| 202101 | 319,717 | 361,128.1 | 319,058.7 | 403,197.5 |
| 202102 | 297,535 | 342,474.9 | 300,939.9 | 384,009.9 |
| 202103 | 331,695 | 378,810.3 | 335,385.7 | 422,234.9 |
| 202104 | 322,008 | 356,381.8 | 313,567.7 | 399,195.9 |
| 202105 | 311,445 | 365,776.4 | 322,962.3 | 408,590.5 |
| 202106 | 328,915 | 372,376.8 | 329,903.7 | 414,849.9 |
| 202107 | 332,827 | 379,007.7 | 336,325.3 | 421,690.1 |
| 202108 | 322,312 | 371,231.1 | 327,872.7 | 414,589.5 |
| 202109 | 332,916 | 375,803.1 | 333,257.0 | 418,349.3 |
| 202110 | 319,526 | 381,202.8 | 338,388.7 | 424,016.9 |
| 202111 | 331,904 | 385,074.6 | 342,601.5 | 427,547.7 |
| 202112 | 345,878 | 391,207.4 | 348,734.3 | 433,680.5 |
| 202201 | 328,781 | 380,463.3 | 337,407.5 | 423,519.0 |
| 202202 | 308,562 | 361,810.1 | 319,292.9 | 404,327.3 |
| 202203 | 343,570 | 398,145.5 | 353,680.1 | 442,610.8 |
| 202204 | 328,097 | 375,717.0 | 331,671.6 | 419,762.3 |
| 202205 | 341,392 | 392,660.3 | 348,902.1 | 436,418.5 |
| 202206 | 332,369 | 376,614.5 | 330,265.1 | 422,963.9 |
| 202207 | 333,014 | 390,794.1 | 346,928.8 | 434,659.4 |
| 202208 | 346,787 | 398,115.0 | 354,426.5 | 441,803.5 |
| 202209 | 339,903 | 387,589.6 | 343,544.2 | 431,634.9 |
| 202210 | 342,256 | 400,538.0 | 356,492.6 | 444,583.3 |
| 202211 | 350,054 | 404,409.8 | 360,717.2 | 448,102.3 |
| 202212 | 347,467 | 410,542.6 | 366,850.0 | 454,235.1 |
| 202301 | 348,720 | 399,798.4 | 355,512.8 | 444,084.1 |
| 202302 | 320,442 | 381,145.3 | 337,399.1 | 424,891.4 |
| 202303 | 364,169 | 417,480.6 | 371,741.2 | 463,220.0 |
| 202304 | 329,573 | 387,503.4 | 340,250.7 | 434,756.1 |
| 202305 | 354,931 | 404,446.7 | 358,945.1 | 449,948.4 |
| 202306 | 361,154 | 411,047.1 | 365,907.7 | 456,186.5 |
| 202307 | 354,256 | 410,129.3 | 364,807.1 | 455,451.4 |
| 202308 | 365,528 | 417,450.2 | 372,309.5 | 462,590.8 |
| 202309 | 359,136 | 414,473.5 | 369,275.7 | 459,671.2 |
| 202310 | 367,559 | 419,873.1 | 374,371.5 | 465,374.8 |
| 202311 | 375,358 | 423,744.9 | 378,605.5 | 468,884.3 |
| 202312 | 370,061 | 422,329.0 | 376,589.6 | 468,068.4 |
| 202401 | 382,373 | 426,682.3 | 381,542.9 | 471,821.7 |
| 202402 | 359,884 | 408,029.2 | 362,536.5 | 453,521.8 |
| 202403 | 363,222 | 421,718.3 | 374,168.7 | 469,267.9 |
Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - Drugs for dementia monthly table
There were 16.6 million drugs for dementia items prescribed from March 2020 to March 2024 to identified patients with known age and gender. This was 11.8% less than the 18.9 million items expected to be prescribed. Drugs for dementia items have generally fallen below the range of values expected for items across this time period. January 2024 was the only month in the past year where items were within the 99% prediction interval.
4. Background
This publication provides information on medicines used to treat mental health conditions in England. It covers medicines prescribed in England that are then dispensed in the community in England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man of the Channel Islands by a pharmacy, appliance contractor, dispensing doctor, or have been personally administered by a GP practice. The publication does not include data on medicines used in hospitals, prisons or prescribed by private doctors.
4.1. Antidepressant drugs
Antidepressant drugs are licensed to treat major depression. Health professionals use the words depression, depressive illness or clinical depression to refer to depression. It is a serious illness and very different from the common experience of feeling unhappy or fed up for a short period of time. Depressed people may have feelings of extreme sadness that can last for a long time. These feelings are severe enough to interfere with daily life, and can last for weeks, months or years, rather than days.
It should be noted that antidepressant drugs are used for indications other than depression, for example migraine, chronic pain, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), or a range of other conditions. Clinical indication isn’t captured by the NHSBSA. Therefore, the statistics on these drugs do not relate solely to prescribing for depression.
You can find more information about depression on the NHS website.
4.2. Hypnotics and anxiolytics
Hypnotics and anxiolytics are used to treat insomnia and anxiety respectively.
Insomnia is difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep for long enough to feel refreshed in the morning, despite there being enough opportunity to sleep. The most common problem with insomnia is difficult falling asleep (sleep-onset insomnia). An insomniac may also experience:
- waking in the night
- not feeling refreshed after sleep and not being able to function normally during the day
- feeling irritable and tired and finding it difficult to concentrate
- waking when they have been disturbed from sleep by pain or noise
- waking early in the morning
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, which can be mild or severe. Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety at some point in their life and feeling anxious is sometimes perfectly normal. However, people with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and often affect their daily life. There are several conditions for which anxiety is the main symptom. Panic disorder, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder can all cause severe anxiety.
You can find more information about insomnia and anxiety from the NHS website.
4.4. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) refer to a range of problem behaviours associated with poor attention span. These may include impulsiveness and hyperactivity, as well as inattentiveness; behaviours that often prevent children and adults from learning and socialising. ADHD is sometimes referred to as hyperkinetic disorder (HD).
You can find more information about ADHD on the NHS website.
4.5. Drugs for dementia
Dementia is a disease that leads to progressive loss of brain function typified by memory loss, confusion, speech difficulties and problems in understanding. There are over 100 different types of dementia. The most common forms are:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Pick’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Alcohol-related dementia
- HIV/AIDS related dementia
Dementia mainly affects older people but can also occur in people as young as thirty due to either alcohol abuse or HIV/AIDS. No cure for dementia currently exists. However, drugs may slow the rate of decline or in some patients make a small improvement in symptoms. Despite this, disease progression is inevitable.
You can find more information about the various types of dementia on the NHS website.
5. About these statistics
This publication is part of a series by the NHSBSA, which can be found on our Medicines Used in Mental Health webpage. This release is intended to continue the annual summary statistics released in each year and combine it with the quarterly summary for quarter 4 of the 2023/24 financial year. To learn more about how this series compares to our other publications, you can view the Official Statistics guidance table on our statistical collections page.
5.1. Changes to this publication
For this release we have changed some of the underlying methodology used to join patient demographic data to our prescriptions data. This has been done to align with best practices in reporting patient gender, and to be consistent with other statistical outputs from across the NHS. When we can match an identified patient’s NHS number with Patient Demographic Service (PDS) data, we now use the latest recorded gender for that patient. If we receive new information on gender for a patient, this will be applied to all previous prescribing for the patient. For example, this will affect data involving patients whose gender was previously not known in PDS, but subsequently becomes known. This may impact historical figures as patients can move between gender categories.
We have also updated the National Statistics Postcode Lookup (NSPL) used to the May 2024 edition. We use the National Statistics Postcode Lookup (NSPL) to assign identified patients to an IMD quintile based on their postcode, or the prescribing practice’s postcode if the patient postcode is unknown. As postcodes may be recorded against different areas between NSPL editions, identified patients may move between IMD quintiles if they live in an affected postcode.
The annual release now includes statistical summary tables at calendar year level. These tables contain the same levels of data as the financial year summary tables.
More information on changes to the methodology can be found in our background and methodology note under the resources section of the webpage for this publication.
5.2. Patient counts
The patient counts shown in these statistics should only be analysed at the level at which they are presented. Adding together any patient counts is likely to result in an overestimate of the number of patients. A patient will be included, or counted, in each category or time period in which they received relevant prescriptions. For example, if a patient received a prescription item for an antidepressant drug in Q1 2020/21 and another in Q2 2020/21, then adding together those totals would count that patient twice. For the same reason, data on patient counts for different BNF sections should not be added together.
5.3 Index of deprivation (IMD)
The English Indices of Deprivation 2019 have been used to provide a measure of patient deprivation. The English Indices of Deprivation are an official national measure of deprivation that follows an established methodological framework to capture a wide range of individuals living conditions.
IMD deciles are calculated by ranking census lower-layer super output areas (LSOAs) from most deprived to least deprived and dividing them into 10 equal groups. These range from the most deprived 10% (decile 1) of small areas nationally to the least deprived 10% (decile 10) of small areas nationally. We have aggregated these deciles into quintiles in this publication, for use alongside the NHS Core20PLUS5 approach.
The reported IMD quintile is derived from the postcode of the patient an item has been prescribed to. When a patient postcode is unknown but we hold a postcode for the prescribing practice, this will be used instead. Quintile 1 represents the 20% most deprived areas and quintile 5 is the 20% least deprived areas. There are a small number of items each year that we have reported as having an unknown IMD quintile. These are items where we have been unable to match the patient postcode or practice postcode to a postcode in the NSPL May 2024 edition.
5.4. Geographies included in this publication
The patient deprivation measures given in these statistics are based upon the LSOA of the postcode of the patient as matched to the May 2024 NSPL file. However, higher geographies included in the statistical summary tables of this publication, such as ICB, use NHSBSA administrative records, not geographical boundaries, and more closely reflect the operational organisation of practices than other geographical data sources.
5.5 Statistical Disclosure Control (SDC)
Statistical disclosure control has been applied to these statistics. Patient count, items, and net ingredient cost (NIC) have been redacted in the supporting summary tables if they relate to fewer than 5 patients. Further information about our statistical disclosure control protocol can be found on our website.
5.6. Rounding
The high-level figures in this statistical summary have been rounded as per the table below:
| From | To | Round to nearest |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1,000 | 1 |
| 1,001 | 10,000 | 100 |
| 10,001 | 100,000 | 1,000 |
| 100,001 | 1,000,000 | 10,000 |
| 1,000,001 | 10,000,000 | 100,000 |
| 10,000,001 | 100,000,000 | 1,000,000 |
| 100,000,001 | 10,000,000,000 | 10,000,000 |
| 10,000,000,001 | 100,000,000,000 | 100,000,000 |
All changes and totals are calculated prior to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated prior to rounding and then are rounded to the nearest whole number. Since all figures within this statistical summary have been rounded, they may not match totals elsewhere when aggregated.
The summary tables released with this publication allow users to investigate this data at lower levels of granularity. Figures in the supplementary tables have not been rounded.
5.7. Trends during COVID-19
The number of items for each BNF section in the 49-month period March 2020 to March 2024 were compared to the number of items expected to be prescribed based on trends from the ‘pre-COVID-19’ period. The monthly data for April 2015 to February 2020 was used to extrapolate expected figures for March 2020 to March 2024. These figures were extrapolated according to:
- the trends between April 2015 and February 2020
- the number of dispensing days that occur in each month
- the typical differences between each month of the year observed between April 2015 and February 2020
- the typical differences between each combination of 20 year age band group and gender
This model states expected figures if trends had continued as before but doesn’t confirm causation of any differences. Factors other than COVID-19 may have influenced prescribing, such as:
- changes in patient behaviour, demographics, or morbidity
- external environmental factors that could drive prescribing
- any (and all) policy initiatives and guidance
- other local priorities and resources
5.8. Averages
Where this document refers to ‘average’, this is the mean unless otherwise stated. This is calculated by adding the number of items/patients/months together and dividing this by the number of items/patients/months.
5.9 Revisions and corrections to this release
There are currently no revisions or corrections to report for this release.
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