THE Tories have been accused of “bare faced cheek” calling for action on an increase in anti -depressant prescriptions.

Jackson Carlaw, Conservative health spokesman, said the SNP must act to reverse the 5.5% increase in the number of people given medication for depression in the last year.

However, the report also highlights the link between high levels of deprivation and depression.

Bob Doris, Glasgow SNP MSP, said the UK Government welfare cuts are a likely root cause of mental illness.

Government figures showed 814,181 people were on drug treatment in 2014/15.

Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Ayrshire and Arran were the highest for depression rates and the study showed a link between deprivation and mental health issues.

Anti-depressant treatment increased with deprivation, with 225,969 patients in the poorest parts of Scotland receiving the drugs, compared to 110,507 in the least deprived areas.

Mr Carlaw said the SNP pledged to halt the rise.

He said: “Years ago the SNP pledged to stop this rise, yet it hasn’t even been able to make a dent in it.

“We are now looking at the flabbergasting statistic of more than one in seven people in Scotland being prescribed antidepressants this year.”

Mr Doris said “Jackson Carlaw and the Tories have a bare faced check. The UK Government’s continued assault on the most vulnerable members of our society through hugely damaging welfare reforms are likely to be the over-riding factor in undermining the mental health and wellbeing of many in our society.

“For the Conservatives to use those coping with mental health conditions as a political football to score points against the Scottish Government is shameful. "After all it is the UK Government’s policies that are damaging the emotional wellbeing of many communities.”

Jamie Hepburn, Public Health Minister, said more people were prescribed drugs because more people were confident seeking help

He said: "Any prescribing is a clinical decision for a patient's doctor and there is good evidence that GPs assess and treat depression appropriately.

"We have seen more people being prescribed antidepressants as a result of reduction in stigma attached to mental health, and better diagnosis and treatment of depression by GPs.”