Truro Leads UK in Antidepressant Searches: New Data Reveals

New data reveals that residents of Truro in Cornwall are searching for antidepressants more than any other city in the UK.

Med Genius, an online platform dedicated to health information, has compiled the most Googled medicines over the last three months. Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, topped the national list with 74,240 searches.

High Search Volumes in Truro

The data highlights that out of 76 UK cities, Truro stands out with an astonishing 4,698 searches per 10,000 population for the 115 commonly prescribed medicines. This is significantly higher than other cities, raising questions about the mental health needs in this region.

Top 10 Cities Searching for Medicines

Here is a breakdown of the top 10 cities in England that have the highest search volumes for medicines over the last three months:

Overall Rank in the UK	City	Top Searched Medicine	Total Searches for all Medicine Per City	Total Searches for all Medicine Per 10,000 Population
1	Truro	Amitriptyline	6,290	4,698
2	Durham	Sertraline	19,230	4,024
3	Newcastle-upon-Tyne	Sertraline	41,310	2,147
4	Salford	Sertraline	15,420	2,120
5	Manchester	Naproxen, Sertraline	83,200	2,104
8	Lancaster	Amitriptyline	8,270	1,754
11	Wakefield	Naproxen	12,720	1,611
13	Ely	Omeprazole	2,930	1,526
16	Leeds	Amitriptyline, Naproxen, Sertraline	63,250	1,390
17	Lincoln	Amitriptyline	15,680	1,365

Amitriptyline and Sertraline Lead Searches

The analysis by Med Genius also reveals that Amitriptyline, used to treat low mood and depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, accounts for 32.5% of all searches. Closely following is Sertraline, an SSRI antidepressant, making up 26% of the searches. This means that two of the three most searched medicines in the UK are antidepressants, highlighting a significant focus on mental health medications.

Implications of the Data

These findings suggest a growing concern for mental health across the UK, particularly in Truro. The high volume of searches for antidepressants could reflect increased awareness and willingness to seek help for mental health issues, or it might indicate a higher prevalence of such conditions in these areas.

As the nation grapples with these findings, it is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to understand the underlying causes and address the mental health needs of the population effectively.