Worries over finances has brought about a significant rise in the numbers of patients suffering from stress related illnesses.

This is a key finding from new research amongst UK family doctors by the Post Office and the Family Doctors’ Association.

78% of GPs have seen an increase in the number of patients showing symptoms of stress or depression over the last 18 months. Men have fared worst, with an 82% rise in the number reporting stress linked to money worries, compared to 74% of women.

Job security is the primary cause of stress with 31% of patients confiding in doctors that fear for their jobs is causing stress-related illnesses, and 29% claiming that general financial concerns are impacting their health. 15% also admitted that the financial needs of other family members is a contributing factor to their wellbeing.

The under 30s, in particular, appear to be feeling the pressure with 49% suffering from sleep disorders. A further 16% of this age group are seeking help for diet problems from their doctor and 12% are experiencing impotence.

These illnesses can be attributed to the financial problems many young people currently face – one in four admit to worrying about debt (24%), 25% cite job security as a concern and 19% worry about being able to pay bills.

When it comes to treatment, of those GPs surveyed, a third (30%) said they were prescribing anti-depressants to under 30s for stress and 39% had referred them to counsellors.

The findings support those from the Post Office’s Finance: A Family Affair report, published in conjunction with independent research consultancy Freshminds last month, which found that the younger generation is becoming increasingly financially pressured. The under 30s age group is already worrying, not only about their own financial situation, but about how they will support older generations in the future. Over half of under 30s (55%) worry about how they will support their parents in retirement.