People in Fenland are taking the most anti depressants compared to anywhere else in Britain, according to a new report.

The news comes amid figures that show anti depressant use has increased seven fold nationally in the last 25 years.

A study into anti-depressant prescribing has revealed that Cambridgeshire doctors gave out the most per head in the UK with Fenland topping the list.

Sean Jackson, chief marketing officer at analytic specialists EXASOL, said: “People suffering from mental health problems need support and respect,

“These insights can direct help to the right places and it highlights where more resources are necessary.

The research showed a massive disparity across the country between north and south as well as antidepressant use surging to over 64 million prescriptions in 2016 compared to nine million in 1991.

In Cambridgeshire:

• Fenland has an average of 1.68 prescriptions per head.

• Huntingdon average of 1.35.

• East Cambridgeshire average of 1.27

• Peterborough average of 1.16.

• Cambridge average of 0.88.

• A total of 1.23 prescriptions per head in Cambridgeshire.

• Average in the country is 1.16.

Mr Jackson said: “With the right data and the right technology you can turn any problem into a data problem.”

The study is the most in depth analysis ever carried out into antidepressant prescribing in England.

Findings were taken from official data released by the Government’s NHS Digital platform which shows every GP prescription dispensed at pharmacies across England from August 2010 to December 2016.