In the UK, the most common mental health disorders are psychiatric disorders, anxiety, and depression. Between 2007 and 2017, the consumption of antidepressants has almost doubled in the UK. Furthermore, major depression increases the risk of death by suicide. In 2019, there were approximately 5.6 thousand suicides in the UK, in comparison to women the suicide rates were higher in men. Another common behavior seen in association with suicide is intentional self-harm or self-injury, the prevalence of self-harm is more common among the younger population. During the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK in spring 2020 a survey found that almost ten percent of 18 to 29 year olds self-harmed during this period.
People with a mental disorder may be a danger to themselves and others. Under the Mental Health Act, people who may cause harm to themselves or others can be detained and treated against their will. The Mental Health Act 1938 in England and Wales and the Mental Health Order 1986 in Northern Ireland govern how people with mental health conditions receive care and treatment and safeguard their rights. In England, there were approximately 35.3 thousand detentions under the Mental Health Act on admission to hospital in 2020/21.
