Womens' Mental Health Problems Worsen, Somerset, England

Partnership figures confirm increase in anxiety and depression


Figures from Somerset's mental health services confirm that women's mental health is worsening.
A national survey* recently found that the proportion of women suffering a common mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety, increased from 19.1% in 1993 to 21.5% in 2007.


The largest increase (between 1993-2007) was in women aged 45-64 where the rate increased by about a fifth while the proportion of women aged 16-74 who had suicidal thoughts in the previous year rose from 4.2% to 5.5% in 2007.


And now Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has backed up these findings with figures that show that the national trend is mirrored in the Trust's area.


In 2005/6 the proportion of women being referred to Somerset Partnership stood at 52.97%, but the latest figures for 2008/9 show that this has risen to 55.6%.


Dr Jason Hepple, Medical Director of Somerset Partnership, said: "We are aware of the increase in female referrals to our Trust. It is known that anxiety and depression are more common in women so it is unfortunately perhaps not surprising that, given the economic climate, these problems are increasing and they will affect a greater proportion of women.


"People who are worried that they may be suffering from a mental health problem should take action as soon as possible; when they first notice the symptoms. Make a visit to your GP who will be able to recommend the best treatment and if necessary, refer you to one of our specialist teams if necessary.
"We are proud of the high quality mental health services we can offer in Somerset. Many people are helped if they go to their family doctor when their symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression are still mild. However, a smaller number of people will need more intensive support.


"The Somerset Partnership Trust can help a wide range of people move towards recovery and well being, by offering a range of assessments and treatments including psychological therapies, medical treatment and social care and support."


Note


*Ref: The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, 2007 was carried out for The NHS National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) in collaboration with the University of Leicester and update published in January 2009. It provides data on the prevalence of both treated and untreated psychiatric disorder among those aged 16 and over in England.


The latest results of the survey can be found at: The full report is at ic.nhs.uk/pubs/psychiatricmorbidity07

Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust