To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to the General Pharmaceutical Services for Northern Ireland Annual Statistics 2023/24, (i) to detail any work planned to better understand the reasons for the more than 10 per cent difference in the proportion of females being prescribed anti-depressants compared to males; and (ii) for his assessment of how a better understanding of this will improve a greater prevention of depression among women.

I welcome the publication of the General Pharmaceutical Services for Northern Ireland Annual Statistics 2023/24, published on 27 June 2024, which provide a comprehensive overview of the use of prescriptions in Northern Ireland. The statistics indicate that the proportion of the overall population currently taking anti-depressants represent 25.5% of females and 15.3% of males. It is noted that the highest single cohort being prescribed anti-depressants (39.1%) are women aged 45 – 64.

There are no current plans for a formal analysis of the underlying causes of the disparity between anti-depressant prescriptions for males and females. However, it is recognised that there may be several underlying reasons for a higher proportion of females, such as caring responsibilities, menopause or more willingness to present for mental health support.

The Mental Health Strategy (MHS) 2021-2031 places a strong emphasis on early intervention for, and prevention of, mental ill health. The Early Intervention and Prevention Action Plan (EI&PAP) recognises that incidences of mental ill health are higher amongst females and commits to tackling this inequality. Although the EI&PAP and MHS seek to build upon and improve services for the whole Northern Ireland population, it is recognised that targeted interventions may sometimes be appropriate, including to those individuals and families most at risk.

Some examples of the ongoing work in relation to female mental health include the establishment of perinatal mental health teams in each HSC Trust and my Department’s commitment, subject to budget affordability, to establish a Mother and Baby Unit.

In parallel, work is being progressed by the Department to develop a Women’s Health Action Plan, which is currently in a research and data-gathering phase. Although the action plan is not specific to mental health, mental health stakeholders (amongst others) will be engaged in its development.