One-in-eight Irish adults have taken anti-depressants

A new study has reportedly found that large numbers of Irish adults have used sedatives, tranquilisers or anti-depressant drugs.

Reports this morning say the research by the Government's National Advisory Committee on Drugs found that one-in-eight adults had been prescribed such drugs at some stage in their lives.

The highest rates of usage were found to be among people on long-term State benefits, the unemployed, as well as separated, divorced and widowed people.

Usage is also higher among women, with 15% being prescribed these pharmaceuticals, compared to 9% of men.

The Opposition is claiming that many people in "psychological pain" have no choice but to take such drugs due to the Government's ongoing failure to provide adequate psychotherapy services.