HC Deb 13 March 1997 vol 292 cc349-50W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes have taken place in each of the past five years in the number of drugs prescribed for treating depression. [20031]

Mr. Malone

The number of licensed preparations used in the treatment of depression are shown in the table:

Number of licensed preparations used in the treatment of depression, 1991 to 1995
England
Year Number of licensed preparations
1991 144
1992 143
1993 147

Number of licensed preparations used in the treatment of depression, 1991 to 1995
England
Year Number of licensed preparations
1994 153
1995 155

1. Antidepressants are those preparations in the British National Formulary [issue 28, September 1994] therapeutic section 4.3—antidepressant drugs.

2. These preparations are the main category of preparations used in the treatment of depression, but not solely used for it. Doctors may also prescribe other preparations.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the financial and other support that is provided to groups pressing for an increase in drug use for depression from(a) patients, (b) doctors, (c) drug companies and (d) doctors employed by drug companies. [20032]

Mr. Burns

The Department has not undertaken such an assessment.

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