One in five Britons suffer from depression or anxiety

Close to a fifth of British adults have problems with anxiety or depression, according to the latest research.

The Office for National Statistics says women are more susceptible to these symptoms, with the highest number of cases recorded between the ages of 50 and 54.

Symptoms of anxiety or depression were recorded in 19 percent of respondents over the age of 16, 21 percent of women, 16 percent of men.

People who are separated or divorced are more prone to these diseases. 27 percent of them record such problems, compared to 20 percent of those who are single, and 18 percent of those who are married or in a relationship.

Higher percentages were recorded among the unemployed - 23 percent, compared to 15 percent of those who have a job, writes the Guardian.

The statistics agency also revealed that 38 percent of those who said they were dissatisfied with their mental health had a problem with depression, while on the other hand, 11 percent of those who were satisfied had a problem with depression.