AN Irish Examiner investigation today reveals the shocking state of mental health in Ireland, with almost half a million people being prescribed drugs for depression or anxiety.

Almost 2.3 million prescriptions were written for anxiety and depression drugs in 2012, enough to cover more than half the population.

Today's Irish Examiner investigation should be the beginning of a wider-ranging look at the manifold variations of antidepressant prescription around the country, says Siobhán Barry.