Women 'more at risk of mental health difficulties'
The number of women developing mental health disorders in the UK is growing, new statistics have revealed.
Figures released by the NHS have shown that the number of women referred to NHS specialist psychiatric services is rising faster than among men.
Last year, 56 per cent of all mental health referrals were for females, an increase of 3.4 per cent on the previous year, a development which could impact greatly on an individual's health insurance premiums.
Simon Lawton-Smith, head of policy at the Mental Health Foundation, said: "I think [the deteriorating mental health of women] is worth looking at.
"The biggest increase in mental problems was among women in mid-life aged 45 to 64. Perhaps it is time to think about this group and where the problems are and what support we can provide."
According to the NHS, every year there are more than 250,000 new cases of individuals with mental health disorders reported in the UK.
The most common conditions are schizophrenia, depression, eating disorders and Alzheimer's - although this is more commonly seen in older patients.
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